About us.....

Mission Statement: Promote the Tuskegee Spirit

The local Tucson chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (TAI) is named after CMSgt Fred Archer. Chief Archer was later stationed at Davis-Monthan, where he retired. Chief Archer had 33 years military career starting with the New York National Guard in 1941 and continuing until his retirement from the Air Force in 1947. Following his retirement he was an active Tucson community leader and the director of the "A" Mountain Neighborhood Center which bears his name.

The CMS Fred Archer Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is dedicated to upholding the standard set by Chief Archer and the Tuskegee Airmen. The chapter's goal is to preserve the amazing history of the Tuskegee Airmen and to inspire young people of diverse background to pursue excellence in aerospace endeavors.

The CMS Fred Archer Chapter is currently led by Major Daniel Summers Jr. of the Tucson Air National Guard who is himself the son of a Tuskegee Airmen.  Along with current military and civilian members, the Chapter is fortunate to have four original members of the Tuskegee Airmen. These pioneers represent both the enlisted and officer cross-section of the individuals who contributed to this groundbreaking moment in the quest for civil rights. They effectively put to rest the myth of the Blackman's limited capabilities and opened the way for all people to be judged solely on their individual merits.  We owe them a profound debt of gratitude.

Membership in TAI is open to all interested parities without regard to military affiliation, ethnicity, or gender. The chapter generally meets the Tuesday following the first weekend of the month in the Base Auditorium of the Tucson Air National Guard Base, 1500 E. Valencia. For further information please contact Major Dan Summers at (520) 206-0252. The CMSgt Fred Archer Chapter of the TAI is striving to encourage the next generation of aerospace leaders for the 21st Century.