During February, Stewart Airport’s Major General Irene Trowell-Harris Chapter of the national Tuskegee Airmen organization hosts a gala dinner-dance. Each year members of the chapter’s Lee A. Archer Jr. Red Tail Youth Flying Program receive tuition-assistance grants. Among the high school seniors to receive scholarships this year is Cornwall’s Joshua Keller. He’ll be receiving $1,000 from the local chapter and $2,000 from the national organization.
“I’m very pleased they said I’m deserving of that,” said Keller.
Keller has grown up with a passion for aviation, but it was a visit to the vet which enabled him to join the Red Tail Youth Flying Program.
Stephan Wilkinson explained he brought one of his cats to Flannery Animal Hospital where Keller’s mother works as a vet. Kim noticed Wilkinson was wearing an aviation-themed shirt and she commented about her son’s love for airplanes. Wilkinson proceeded to tell her about the Tuskegee Airmen program.
According to its website, a primary goal of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is to mentor young people. The chapter operates the Lee A. Archer Red Tail Youth Flying Program, which uses flight instruction as a context to mentor, tutor, and provide role models for young men and women to affect positive change in the community.
Through the program, Keller has received flight lessons and accumulated 25 hours of air time. He currently has his student license and is two lessons away from being able to fly solo. Keller is also aiming to complete 40 hours of air time in order to earn his pilot’s license.
The high school senior plans to attend Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology where he wants to get an aviation maintenance degree and minor in aviation sciences. The two will allow him to earn the certification needed to become a corporate pilot.
“I like the freedom of it,” Keller said of flying. “It’s just a whole new dimension. There are no stop signs or cars. It’s just you and the sky.”
Through the Tuskegee Airmen, Keller has gone on annual trips like to Washington, D.C. to visit the monuments and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He’s also been gaining hands on experience with building and maintaining aircraft. Keller has been helping to refurbish a plane which was involved in a crash.
The program also encourages its participants to get involved in the community. Keller attends a mentorship/aviation program at the Armory in Newburgh. There he teaches kids the implements of flying.
Another way Keller gives back to his community is through the Boy Scouts. He joined as a Cub Scout while in kindergarten and has worked his way up to First Class. Keller is close to earning Star, but said he won’t be pursuing the Eagle award. He said his time is dedicated more to flying.
Given all his experiences, Keller has enjoyed his time with the Tuskegee Airmen.
“They’ve taught me a lot about, not just flying and leadership, but about character and holding myself to higher esteem.”
