Greater Pittsburgh Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Institute

In February 2008, POISE Foundation partnered with Regis Bobonis, Sr., and the Daniel B. Matthews Society to honor the legacy of Tuskegee Airmen who lived in or originated from the Greater Pittsburgh Region.  The event was a large success with seven living Tuskegee Airmen in attendance from our region as well as family members from many others.  The program included remarks from the Mayor of Tuskegee, Alabama, Mrs.  and the  Through research conducted by Mr. Bobonis a few years prior to the event, he discovered that eight Tuskegee Airmen were from the town of Sewickley.  Over the next years, he further uncovered that there were as many as 80 men who participated in the Tuskegee Airmen program from our region.   

As a result of this research and events, a group of individuals in the Pittsburgh area came together with the intent of forming a Pittsburgh Chapter of the TAI.  With the help of POISE Foundation, a nonprofit (Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Institute) was formed on April 3, 2009.  The chapter elected Dr. Edmund Effort (Colonel, ret.) as its first Chairperson.  During the National Convention held in San Antonio, Texas In July 2010, the Chapter received its official charter recognizing it as an affiliate of the National TAI.   To apply for membership please download this form, complete and mail to the POISE Office with dues payment.  Currently, dues are $75.00 per year.

TAI Memorial Project  

The Daniel B. Matthews Society in conjuction with the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of TAI are working to have a memorial honoring the Greater Pittsburgh Region's Tuskegee Airmen installed at the Sewickley Cemetary.    The cost of the project is $65,000.  We are seeking your assistance in making this memorial a special tribute.  You can donate online and select TAI Memorial Fund from the drop down menu or donwload a contribution form.