not a real opinion diary, more an action alert if people can help out.
The NYT has published a story on the logistical problem many of the 300 tuskegee airmen are having. They were invited by the president elect to come to the Inauguration and are thrilled but because of their age, physical needs, and the simple fact that washington is booked solid some may have to stay away. Places to stay are just one part of the issue. NYT has given info about how to help and i have updated the diary with links to either donate or contact chapters
Link to NYT
As you may know, most of the Tuskegee Airmen — the legendary elite force of black pilots and ground crew who were segregated into their own unit in World War II are over the age of 80 and many are frail. For most of them, getting to the inauguration is a daunting prospect. The original airmen (they will have to provide documentation) will receive tickets for themselves and one guest to the swearing-in ceremony at the West Front of the Capitol, but that doesn’t guarantee easy passage.
All airmen who want to go should contact their local chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. by Dec. 19. Those in states without chapters can e-mail Bob Rose, an officer of the organization, at: rdrjr@cox.net, who is organizing the logistics.
The type of help they need is described here by bob"
He also says he hopes to match up each airman with a "Good Samaritan," one of a growing list of people who are offering to provide lodging or transportation to the airmen. The airmen would reconvene sometime on the morning of the 20th and then go as a group to the inauguration, perhaps in rented vans.
Please contact them if you can help ease the logistics and make it possible for as many airmen as possible to attend. Kudos to the NYT for bringign this to light and offering a space for suggestions as well.
UPDATE: Link to donations at tuskegee airmen site
DONATION LINK
HT to jim for the main tuskegee site with chapters:
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN..ORG