CAF Red Tail Squadron Expands Team to Further Their Outreach Program | August 8th, 2016 |
 DALLAS – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, today announced a new logistics team focused on bringing the organization’s message to new audiences on and off the tarmac. Their addition will bring further momentum to the Squadron’s outreach program aimed at inspiring people of all ages through the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Kristi Younkin, the organization’s new Senior Logistics Coordinator, is a longtime CAF Red Tail Squadron volunteer. As a project management and process improvement professional, she brings leadership acumen as well as a passion for aviation to her role. Younkin holds a private pilot’s license, has experience organizing air shows, is a volunteer with the CAF B-29 Squadron and manages public relations for Younkin Airshows, in which her husband Matt flies an aerobatic routine in a Twin Beech. “I’m thrilled to be joining the team and having the opportunity to put my organizational skills to good use in this exciting industry,” said Younkin. “I’m passionate about the mission of the CAF Red Tail Squadron and am excited to be a part of delivering the message of the Tuskegee Airmen and helping to change lives for people across the country.” Also joining the team is Emily Malavolti, assistant to the logistics coordinator. Malavolti’s excitement for aviation and enthusiasm to share the Red Tail Squadron’s message has its roots in attending numerous air shows and volunteering for the organization. She recently began to log time towards her private pilot’s license, and hopes her work with the Squadron will help others pursue their dreams in aviation. “The Red Tail family is excited to infuse new talent into the team. We look forward to putting together our best season yet of outreach visits. Kristi’s expertise in system development and process flow will enable us to build on our already very strong foundation,” said CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader Bill Shepard. “Within the air show industry, the CAF Red Tail Squadron is one of the country’s busiest and most impactful teams focusing on inspiring youth to rise above, be responsible and achieve their goals. Kristi’s addition will go a long way to support our mission and its impact on audiences both at air shows and within the communities we visit.” The 2017 schedule for RISE ABOVE Red Tail, the annual cross-country tour of the Squadron’s P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen and RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, is well underway. Although many key events are already confirmed, the Squadron is focused on bringing RISE ABOVE Red Tail to new audiences and areas of the country. Air show directors and event coordinators are invited to contact Younkin at logistics@redtail.org or (479) 228-4520 to bring this exciting and inspirational program to their community, and learn how the Squadron partners with local schools and youth organizations to increase the impact of their air show or event. About the CAF Red Tail Squadron The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. RISE ABOVE Red Tail, their three-fold outreach program, includes a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit 53’ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film “Rise Above”; and resource materials for teachers and youth leaders. Each year, they embark on a nine-month cross-country tour that includes appearances at air shows, schools, museums and community events. The group’s Six Guiding Principles – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit and Expect to Win – serve as the foundation for their outreach programs and are based on the experiences and successes of the Tuskegee Airmen. The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). Learn more at www.redtail.org. About the Commemorative Air Force The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) honors the men and women who built, maintained and flew in these airplanes during World War II. The organization believes that is best accomplished by maintaining the airplanes in flying condition; taking the airplanes to the people allowing them to experience the sight and sound of the aircraft in flight. Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 13,000 members and a fleet of over 165 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 79 units located in 25 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org. ### Press Contact Darcy Castro Visit www.redtail.org/news-media-kit for access to more photos and materials especially for the media.
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