'A Cut Above': Tuskegee Airmen will take wing at 2010 Rose Parade

By Claudia S. Palma

The West Covina Rose Float Association held its fifth annual Evening of Wine and Roses fundraising event with a 1940s USO theme on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Charisma Floats warehouse in Irwindale.

The warehouse transformed into what looked like a hangar perfect for the unveiling of the foundation's 2010 Rose Parade entry "The Tuskegee Airmen -- A Cut Above."

Many guests were all dressed up in their best 1940s inspired threads.

It was great to see many were definitely not afraid to get into the full spirit of the theme. There were even ladies dressed up as candy/cigarette girls complete with trays hanging from their necks. And all the music played by DJ Eric Wolff that night was from the 40s era. He definitely did his homework.

Guests included many local business and community members, city of West Covina staff, commission members and dignitaries including the West Covina police chief, mayor and city council members and Assemblyman Dr. Ed Hernandez (57th District).

The honorees of the night the Tuskegee Airmen, the inspiration for the float design. Some of the Airmen will ride on the float during the New Year's Day parade.

The veterans got an up close view of the mostly bare float which features two "Red Tailed" mustang planes looking as if they are in flight with an American Bald Eagle ready for flight following behind and two U.S. flags flown at the back. Along the side of the float are blown up black and white portraits of the airmen taken during their time of service decades ago.

The men will ride in seats in the front of the float.

Even in its bare state, you could feel the great presence the float will have on the parade route.

The float builder is Charisma Floats and will be decorated with flowers and natural materials over the next few weeks by volunteers just in time for the parade.

"All the Airmen and their family and friends were extremely excited to see the float up close and to be part of such a gala event," said Chris Freeland, Executive Vice President of the Foundation.

Freeland said the Foundation wanted to pay tribute to those who served in the armed forces and after much brainstorming decided to recognize the Tuskegee Airmen for the sacrifices they made and adversity they had to overcome while fighting for our freedom during World War II.

"We are convinced that when our float travels down Colorado Blvd. on January 1, those lining the parade route will rise out of their seats and cheer for these fine men that served honorably and with distinction, while dealing with segregation," added Freeland.
 
"Their story goes well beyond our float, but we cherish the opportunity to educate the community on the Airmen that many people truly do not what they overcame and accomplished for our country."

The gala event served to also raise funds for the non-profit Foundation to continue to be a part of the annual Rose Parade tradition with this year's entry and for their scholarship program. The event featured a 50/50 raffle and a live and silent auction. The group also sold vintage war-time tins and various logo items with the Foundation's 2010 theme.

"All the funds come from donations and fundraising activities.  In these tough economic times, to see (the resident and business owner's) support is truly amazing," Freeland said.

This is the city's 12th entry in the parade.
 
"For the community, it is very difficult to quantify the amount of civic pride that our volunteers have towards our participation in the Rose Parade," said Freeland. "To represent our community in such a large forum viewed by millions around the world, is truly rewarding to all of us."

Though it is still too early to tell how much was raised during the gala event, from the look of the happy dancers swinging the night away on the dance floor and the camaraderie shared by the airmen and other service men present, the night seemed a success.

"All of the guests were excited to meet with the airmen, have a wonderful dinner, and to see our float up close before it is decorated. This was a very unique experience for many," said Freeland.

The dinner was catered by Picasso's Cafe in Irwindale.

This was my first time time trying anything from Picasso's and their entrees and dessert definitely satisfied. Very delicious. I'll have to try their lunch sometime soon and blog about my experience on our sister site, Bentorama.
 
The Airmen are definitely making their rounds for Veterans Day and in anticipation of the 121st Annual Tournament of Roses parade. A group of them have a planned appearance at the American Legion Post 13 in Pasadena on Sunday, Nov. 15, and will receive commendations from the city and Assemblyman Anthony Portantino.