U.S. Air Force Major Kenyatta Ruffin preserves the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen through training and mentoring young people for aviation careers

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="288.0"] "The demands of my job are high, but I love every opportunity to encourage and mentor younger people regarding aviation." (http://www.taichicago.org/archives/847) [/caption]

Major Kenyatta Ruffin is a highly decorated United States Air Force pilot with over 2,500 hours flying the F-16C/C+/CJ/CM, MC-12W, T-38C, and T-6A. Ruffin, who dreamed of flying since the age of 5, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering with a minor in Military Strategic Studies.

Thankful for the opportunities he had as a young man, which helped him achieve his dream, and fueled by the desire to invest in America's young people, Major Ruffin founded the non-profit organization Legacy Flight Academy (LFA). LFA's mission is to uphold and sustain the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by providing minority youth with flight training and mentorship in preparation for a career in aviation through military service. LFA has conducted two summer character development and flight training programs at historic Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, providing a life-changing experience for 30 students and reaching hundreds more through their other programs.

Major Ruffin was inspired by the courage and discipline of the many groundbreaking men and women in aviation like the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP:

“The Legacy of both the Tuskegee Airmen and WASP are truly inspirational to men and women alike, to those who are a minority and those who are in the majority, for the young and old, for people anywhere and everywhere. Their story is a human story about courage and commitment, about adversity and perseverance, about excellence and sacrifice. In short, their legacy is part of what made America great and is what will keep her great. I truly hope that the upcoming generation will look to these men and women as the role models and heroes that they are, and that we would all appreciate and honor their heritage.”

We appreciate and honor Major Ruffin's dedicated service to this nation and his positive influence as a role model for America's youth!

You can support Legacy Flight Academy! Please visit http://legacyflightacademy.org/ and also look for Legacy Flight Academy when shopping through Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com/).

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500.0"] Major Ruffin and young participants at Legacy Flight Academy, Moton Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama.  (Photo: Legacy Flight Academy) [/caption]