MHFP Quarterly Update - October 2023 |
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“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. |
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Hello students, parents and friends of the Mile High Flight program,
Summer 2023 saw the end of another spectacular year for the Mile High Flight Program (MHFP) and its high-flying future leaders. Our 27th year was a great success, and one of the largest classes ever! Every event was filled to capacity with eager students and parents, many of whom were experiencing the wonder of airplane and glider flying for the first time.
We’re grateful for another successful year, and excited about our preparations for the new program year. MHF 2023 – 2024 will kick off on Saturday, October 28th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm at the Boeing Blue Sky Aviation Gallery, Centennial Airport. Several students from last year are returning, and we are excited to welcome many new students. In September, we visited many metro area schools, sharing the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and the opportunities available via the MHFP with hundreds of students.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this year's program, please complete the Mile High Flight Program Application by October 10th. Looking forward to the new year!
Tailwinds,
The MHF “Crew”
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Owl Canyon Glider Flights - The weather finally cooperated on July 9th, and we were able to have our final group of students partake in glider flight. We appreciate the Owl Canyon team's work and effort in making this possible. |
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MHF Phase 2 - We concluded our Phase 2 training in July. Flight training was conducted at Front Range Airport and we were able to significantly reduce our expenses. We’re proud to report that both Alexander and Roman established solid foundations on which to build their futures in aviation and each plan to continue their flight training. MHF Phase 2 graduate Alexander Buchanan writes:
“Captains, Frazier, Searuggs and Mosley,
Thank you again for giving Roman and I the opportunity of a lifetime with Phase 2! With the accomplishment of my first solo, Isaac said I'm about halfway to adding an airplane rating to my private pilot certificate. I have attached the best picture from that day. My parents and I met with Isaac yesterday to come up with a plan to complete my training. I'm going to continue flying with Isaac and other instructors about twice a week to continue making progress toward my goal. I'm also going to continue studying so I can take my written test soon. Please let me know if I can help with the program in the future. I'll keep you posted on my progress, and I hope to help out at some of the field trips in the future.
Sincerely,
Alexander”
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Honoring the Past & Inspiring the Future |
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On 13 July, Denver’s last remaining Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, LTC James Harvey, celebrated his 100th birthday! LTC Harvey is a true American hero who, along with members of his team from the 332nd Fighter Group, won the first Aerial Gunnery Competition in 1949 at Nellis Field. Read about his historic accomplishments in the article below.
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Attitude Is Still Altitude For This Tuskegee Airman
Air Force Lt. Col. James Harvey III (Ret.) will celebrate his 100th birthday, marking the latest achievement for an original Tuskegee Airman.
Read more
www.airandspaceforces.com
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Christopher Ballinger is making history as one of the US ...
Christopher Ballinger is making history at just 17 years old. After being selected out of thousands of applicants to participate in the Air Force JROTC Flight Academy Program, he has achieved a that many pilots can only dream of: becoming...
Read more
www.africagiant.org
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...at least that's what it seems like. MHF graduates and “Crew Members” are having more and more chance encounters as our ranks on the flight deck continue to grow.
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Mile High Flight graduate, (now Delta Airlines pilot) Stephen Rocha connected with MHF (United Airlines) Crewmember Willy Martinez on a recent trip. |
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Captain John Frazier and MHF grad Mychol Alexander share FedEx jumpseats on the way home from Memphis. After soloing with the Mile High Flight program, Mychol attended the United States Air Force Academy, graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training and flew the C-17 before joining FedEx. |
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United Airlines pilots (and MHF Crewmembers) Andrea Martinez and Eric Mosley, after a flight from SFO to DEN. Andrea was flying and Mosley was a passenger, enjoying an incredibly smooth flight and landing. |
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The Mile High Flight Program strives to provide additional opportunities, as well as those available through our program. Recently, Boeing announced an exciting “million dollar” initiative, designed to increase minority representation in aviation. We invite everyone to visit their new website and follow your dreams.
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Nalani Fierro
MHF Phase 2 graduate Nalani Fierro reached out to let us know that she’s off to a great start towards her goal of becoming a professional pilot, thanks to MHF. Nalani writes:
“MHF Crew,
Thank you for mentoring, encouraging, and helping me to find my passion. Thank you for taking care of me these past couple of years. I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to join the MHF program and receive many things for my experiences here. Thank you!!!”
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Brielle Rodriguez
We also continue to be very proud of the passion and hard work that MHF Phase 2 graduate Brielle Rodreguez continues to show. She shared some great news, after being selected for a $2,000 academic scholarship from the Denver Tuskegee Airmen. She writes:
“Good morning!
I just wanted to give you all an update with what's going on with me:) I started flight lessons again. My goal is to get my private before I begin school at MSU in the fall. I had the honor of receiving the Hubert L. “Hooks” Jones Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen’s 2023 Academic Scholarship for the amount of $2,000!! I also applied to United Aviate. I’m so excited to continue my journey in aviation.
With that said, I am extremely grateful for all your time and efforts with the MHFP. It was life changing!
Thank you again,
Brielle”
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Mile High Flight Program Kick-Off Meeting |
All students are welcomed to our Kick-Off meeting for 2023 - 2024. We couldn't be more thrilled to start the new program year with a bang! Our event will take place at the Boeing Blue Sky Aviation Gallery at Centennial Airport on Saturday, October 28th from 2pm - 5pm. All students who wish to participate must submit an application by October 10th. Please use the button below.
Important: Please note that admission to the Boeing Blue Sky Aviation Gallery is free for MHFP students and $12 for all others...($10 for First Responders).
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Make a Charitable Donation to the MHFP - Click Here
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