Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen's legacy
Your support ensures that the Tuskegee Airmen's story of heroism, resilience and progress is preserved for future generations.
Case for supportThe Tuskegee Airmen Memorial will honor the legacy of the first African American flying unit in the United States. It will recognize their heroism, resilience and lasting impact on the military and society. Located at Davis Airfield, named for Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, commander of the Tuskegee Airmen, the memorial will inspire future generations of leaders, aviators and innovators.
Preserve the heritage
of the Red Tails
Former Commandant of Cadets Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Sam Cox ’84, vice president of Air Force systems at the Boeing Company, said, “When those aspiring pilots go out onto the flight line and see that T-7 with the red tails, they’re going to know the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, and they’re going to remember that.”
Support the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial with a gift to the Davis Airfield Display Fund.
Give NowCelebrating the groundbreaking
Situated at the entrance to Davis Airfield near the South Gate, the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial will feature full-scale models of a P-51 Mustang, which was famously flown by the Tuskegee Airmen, and a Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, which will be the newest trainer aircraft for the Air Force. The T-7 will also feature a red tail, mimicking the look of the P-51s that gave the Tuskegee Airmen their Red Tails nickname.
Charles ’81 and Karen Phillips are the lead donors for the project. Charles Phillips, managing partner and co-founder of Recognize, a technology investment and transformation company, spoke during the ceremony, framing the historic importance of the Tuskegee Airmen. He addressed a portion of his remarks to cadets.
“When you pass this monument as you return from the airfield during your always hurried day, let it interrupt you,” he said. “Think about it. Let it ask a few hard questions. Are you training to standard or to the standard they set? Are you using your wings to lift those around you?”
Read the full storyPhotos of the
September 2025 groundbreaking
With Pikes Peak and a clear blue Colorado sky as a backdrop, Academy leaders and donors turned the dirt to ceremonially start the construction of the memorial.
Five individuals representing the Tuskegee Airmen and their heritage attended the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new memorial: Col. James Harvey, a Tuskegee Airman; Peggy Shivers, wife the of the late Lt. Col. Clarence Shivers; Shirley Edwards, wife of air trainee Randolph Edwards; Leon Butler Jr. ’91, national president of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc.; and Gabrielle Martin, president of the Colorado Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. The nonprofit works to preserve the heritage of the Tuskegee Airmen and inspire youth to consider STEM, aviation and aerospace careers.
See all groundbreaking photos