WACO Aviation Lecture Series

WHEN: Thursday, May 24th, 2018–doors open at 6:30 p.m., speech at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Troy Christian Elementary Gymnasium

1586 McKaig, Troy, OH 45373

On May 24th at 7 p.m., the WACO Aviation Lecture Series will host Ohio residents Marsha Bordner and Tuskegee Airman Harold Brown at Troy Christian Elementary School. The Tuskegee Airman were a group of African-American pilots who flew in World War II. Harold and Marsha have co-authored a book “Keeping Your Airspeed Up,” and will make a presentation by the same name. This will consist of a 15 minute video to be shown prior to an opportunity to ask Harold questions with a book signing to follow.

Harold Brown grew up in Minneapolis and went through flight training at Tuskegee Institute in the early 1940’s. He became part of the group now known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The persistence and courage of these men in flight led to the desegregation of the military—a necessary first step in our country’s move to integration in the country’s laws and society. Harold came home from World War II and served in the Strategic Air Command before earning his Ph.D. and serving as the academic vice president at what is now Columbus State Community College in Ohio.

Marsha Stanfield Bordner has always felt a passion for language—from getting a Ph.D. in English from Ohio State University, to serving as a faculty member at Clark State Community College in Springfield, Ohio, to becoming a college president at Terra State Community College. Most recently, she has put those skills to work in writing her husband’s story as a black man growing up in America, as one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, and as a college administrator. “Keep Your Air Speed Up” was published by the University of Alabama Press and has been available since August of 2017.

There is no charge for the event and parking is free. Donations will be accepted to benefit WACO Historical Society. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the lecture beginning at 7 p.m. It will be held at Troy Christian School Elementary School,1586 McKaig Ave., Troy, OH. For questions, call 937-335-9226 or visit www.wacoairmuseum.org.