About Capt. Hugh J. White United States Air Force (ret)
The chapter is named after Hugh James White. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri August 24th 1922. He graduated from Charles Sumner High School in June 1939. He was a member of the National Honor Society and president of his class. In September 1939 he entered then Stowe Teachers College. In January 1943 he volunteered for the United States Army Air Corp and was assigned to Tuskegee, Alabama as an Aviation Cadet. After graduating in Class 44-F as the first ranking student, he went to the European Theater as a pilot assigned to the 99th Pursuit Squadron of the 322nd Fighter Group. He flew 35 combat missions, with 190 combat hours. On his 35th mission he was shot down and became a prisoner of war. The war ended while he was in captivity.
His story however does not end there. After an honorable discharge as Captain in 1951, Hugh J. White entered the Cleveland Marshall Law School. He passed the Missouri Bar in 1958 and specialized in criminal law. He was elected to the Missouri Legislature as a State Representative in 1961 and re-elected in 1963. He helped organized the St. Louis Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and was elected as the first president. Hugh James White passed away on December 14, 1979.
Purpose and Objectives
– Bring together all those sharing the pioneering spirit of keeping alive the military aviation heritage of the Tuskegee Experience
– Encourage and support the aspirations of youth, particularly minority youth, in the fields of aviation and aerospace sciences
– Foster teamwork between local citizens, civic leaders, and businesses supporting underprivileged youth in aviation and other aerospace industries
– Provide scholarship opportunities for deserving aspirants entering aviation and aerospace career studies.
Chapter Meetings
Date: Second Wednesday of Every Month at 6:30-8:00 pm
Location: Heritage House 2800 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Hugh J. White TAI Chapter Officers
President: Yolandea Wood
Vice President: Luther Coyle
Secretary: Ellistene Curry
Treasurer: Col. Jeff Curry, USAF Retired
Historian: Col (Dr.) John P. Morgan, USAF Retired
Scholarship Coordinator: Maj. Yolandea Wood, USAF Retired
The Hugh J. White Chapter of the TAI was chartered in 1974 as a non-profit organization (501(c)3)
