CHICAGO, 2012-08-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — Thirty students from Chicago neighborhoods today completed a comprehensive, three-day aviation career program provided by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), in partnership with the City’s Safe Summer Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) initiative, and the Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The CDA has participated in the program for the past five years.
CDA Assistant Commissioner and Illinois National Guard Colonel Duane Hayden facilitated the airport portion of the program, which highlighted the importance of Chicago’s airports to the nation’s aviation system. He also spoke extensively on the many careers represented at O’Hare and Midway International Airports.
Over the past three days, the students with the CAPS Safe Summer Program spent time at O’Hare International Airport learning about different career paths with the CDA. They include Airport Operations, Airport Management and Administration, Air Traffic Control, Airport Maintenance and Construction (OMP), Aviation Safety, Fire Fighting and Rescue, Corporate and General Aviation (Signature Flight Support), Aircraft Maintenance and Airline Operations; and of course the value of a formal education and/or Military Training.
The students also got to tour a Boeing 777 aircraft operated by American Airlines and were visited by CAPS Director Ron Holt, who joined the students for today’s events.
They also met two of the original legendary Tuskegee Airmen, Beverly Dunjill and Milton Williams Jr., who spoke to them about the Tuskegee Airmen legacy and encouraged them to excel in their academic pursuits.
The Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen’s Youth Aviation Program introduces young people in the Chicagoarea to the world of aviation and science through local and national programs and activities.
“We’re pleased that so many of the young people who visited O’Hare this week were able to meet with our staff and with these heroic and historic aviators,” said CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the kids, CAPS and the Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen for many years to come.”
On Friday, the students’ week will be capped with VIP seating at the annual Air and Water Show practice day on the lakefront, courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Cultural Events (DCASE).
Click here for more information about the Chicago “DODO” Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
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Tuskegee Airmen Beverly Dunjill and Milton Williams Jr. (front row) meet with CAPS Safe Summer students at the CDA