Answers for students, parents, educators, community members, veterans, and prospective corporate sponsors.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in U.S. Armed Forces history. During World War II, they trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama — at a time when the military was segregated and many doubted Black Americans could serve as pilots.
From 1941 to 1946, close to 1,000 pilots earned wings at Tuskegee. The broader program trained some 15,000 total Airmen. They served with the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group — the "Red Tails."
The 332nd Fighter Group compiled one of WWII's most distinguished combat records. The Red Tails earned a reputation for never losing a bomber to enemy aircraft on their escorts — a record no other escort group could claim. They flew more than 15,000 sorties, destroyed 260+ enemy aircraft, and earned 150+ Distinguished Flying Crosses.
The Tuskegee Airmen fought two wars simultaneously — one against the enemy overseas, and another against systemic racism and military segregation at home. They faced inferior equipment, segregated facilities, and commanders who doubted them. Their record demolished every argument used against them. Their service directly inspired President Truman's 1948 order to desegregate the U.S. military.
HOCC is the Raleigh–Durham area chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) — a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 50+ chapters across the U.S. Founded in 2004 by Dr. John Driver, an original Tuskegee Airman, and his wife Lavon-De, HOCC serves central NC through youth education, school speaking, ACE Camp support, scholarships, and community membership.
Yes. HOCC is a chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. — a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions to the chapter's scholarship fund and youth programs may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Consult your tax advisor for specifics.
We regularly visit elementary and middle schools across central NC. Contact us with your school name, grade level, preferred dates, and what you'd like students to learn. Our speakers connect the Tuskegee Airmen story to modern themes of perseverance, STEM careers, and diversity in aviation and aerospace.
HOCC awards annual scholarships to students pursuing education in aviation, aerospace, and related fields. The fund is supported entirely by donations from members, supporters, and corporate sponsors. Contact us for current scholarship availability, eligibility, and application timelines.
Membership is open to all people. TAI chapters embrace diversity and welcome women and men of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, abilities, and financial circumstances. You do not need to be a veteran or have an aviation background. We encourage you to attend one meeting before officially joining — it's the best way to get a feel for the chapter.
General membership meetings are held monthly in the Raleigh–Durham area. Specific locations are shared with registered members and interested guests on request. Email us to get on the meeting notification list.
Corporate sponsors directly support HOCC's youth programs, scholarship fund, and events. Sponsorship includes:
Contact us for a sponsorship information packet.
100% of donations support HOCC's local mission: student scholarships, ACE Camp youth programs, school speaking engagements, and chapter operations. There are no layers between your contribution and its impact. This is a local chapter — when you give here, it stays in central North Carolina.
Donations can be made online via our secure PayPal link, by check payable to Tuskegee Airmen Heart of Carolina Chapter, or through our corporate sponsorship program. As a chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (501(c)(3)), donations may be tax-deductible. Donate now →
Your contribution directly funds student scholarships, youth aviation programs, and educational outreach across central North Carolina.
