USAFA Way of Life Alumni Group

I am a strong advocate for WOL involvement in TAI National Conventions. Not only can we pay tribute to a wonderful legacy but we can also learn the DO's and Don'ts as WOL prepares for an eventual WOL National Convention.
This year the 37th Annual TAI Convention will be held 17-20 July 2008 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (Philadelphia, PA).

Many of you have attended TAI conventions and some fortunate enough to attend on TDY orders. Active support has been up and down over the years, but mostly dependent on competing real world requirements, funding, and support from commanders.

The TAI Military Affairs Committee is usually responsible for the "military" side of the convention (military oriented forums and the military luncheon). Some of you have served on the Military Affairs Committee and most likely more aware than I of the responsibilities and capabilities of the Military Affairs Committee within the TAI structure.

I suggest WOL establish a Memorandum of Understanding with TAI and the Military Affairs Committee to allow WOL to either sponsor or take an active part in forums WOL members offer added value. Keep in mind USAFA grads make up over 60% of black AF pilots.

I also suggest WOL take advantage of the opportunity to pull together the many WOL members and USAFA grads who would consider joining WOL to discuss WOL business. Grads at TAI conventions have often found a way to get together either for dinner or just to meet for a few minutes to say hello to each other. Part of the success of the 2003 Reunion of grads at USAFA was due in large part to a 30 minute meeting (short notice) grads held. The spirit of kindship filled the room. We had to force grads to leave. We were all surprized at the number of grads attending the TAI Convention.

If you have any suggestions or comments, please make them here on this site. Of course you may contact me if you rather.

Sincerely,

Richard P. Hall
WOL President
rph147532@aol.com