Tuskegee Airmen, Inc

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.

National Office

8/29/2014

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our 2014 convention was full of activities that included the election of officers and approval of the new bylaws for TAI. We are in the process of having our Procedures Manual revised so it will parallel the new bylaws. We have had a number of individuals transition out of committee chair positions, I am looking for candidates who are experienced and have a professional background to place in these key positions. The open permanent committee chair positions are:

Ø Public Relations Officer

Ø Historian

Ø Fundraising

Ø Personnel

If you have or know of someone who has the level of experience in these areas and are interested in serving please forward a resume to my attention to the National Office. We are also looking for individuals with human resources/personnel management experience to become members of the Personnel Committee to comply with the language in the bylaws.

One of the areas covered in my report to the Body concerned our USAA-TAI credit card program and its impact on our fundraising. The following is a summary of the results from this program from its inception in 2011 to June of this year:

TAI Compensation Summary / 2011 / 2012 / 2013 / 2014* / Total
Credit Card Accounts Opened (#) / 0 / 492 / 142 / 39 / 673
Credit Card Renewed (#) / 0 / 588 / 760 / 0 / 1348
Credit Card Compensation Paid ($) / $0 / $5,961 / $5,860 / $3,420 / $15,241
Ad-Hoc Payments Received ($) / $357 / $4,450 / $4,500 / $2,500 / $11,807
* Through 06/2014 / Total Compensation Received: / $27,048

This program continues to have a positive impact on our bottom line with the 1348 cards in use. If we can get more cards into hands of individuals, this program has the potential to bring in much more compensation to allow us to execute our programs and fund our operations. USAA has developed Visa, MasterCard and American Express versions of the credit card. To apply for one of these cards an individual does not have to be a USAA member, in the military or a relative of a military member. USAA provides us with pamphlets and brochures that have details on the USAA-TAI credit card program. These have previously been sent to all chapters, we still have a large supply at the National Office. One of the unique features of this program is that TAI will continue to receive compensation as long as the issued cards remain in use. This is a very beneficial program for TAI and one that should be shared with those who wish to support our organization.

There is another opportunity for members and supporters who shop online to help TAI. Did you know that Amazon has a program called AmazonSmile that donates 0.5% of each purchase to the charity selected by the purchaser? At AmazonSmile, you shop on Amazon like you normally do, except that you do it from the Smile.Amazon.com version of their website. You’ll still be taking advantage of the normal prices that Amazon offers. There is no markup – the donation comes directly from Amazon to our organization. Here is detailed information about Amazon Smile:

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to AmazonSmile to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?

Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible.

Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?

Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.

How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?

On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation.

Can I change my charity?

Yes, you can change your charity any time. Your AmazonSmile purchases after the change count towards your newly selected charity. To change your charity, sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser and simply select “Change your Charity” in “Your Account.”

What charities can I choose from?

You can choose from almost one million eligible 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations.

What if my selected charity does not register to participate in the AmazonSmile program or becomes ineligible?

If an organization does not register to participate or becomes ineligible, you will have a chance to select a different organization or we will redistribute donations earned among other organizations receiving donations.

How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details.

Can I receive a tax deduction for amounts donated from my purchases on AmazonSmile?

Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.

Many of us come into contact with individuals wanting more information about TAI. I will include with the version of this letter that is sent to each chapter a template for a generic two sided TAI business card that has our website address and mailing address on the front and information about the various ways an individuals can support our organization on the back. These cards print on Avery 8877 Business Cards stock. These cards can be invaluable in cultivating new members and exposing potential supporters to our organization.

During our last membership cycle we encountered a number of problems with processing renewals and getting membership cards back to members. We now have a team that has been working these and related membership issues. We plan to share and implement the results of their efforts as we start the next cycle of initial and membership renewals.

Sincerely,

Leon A. Johnson

National President

Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

P.O. Box 830060

Tuskegee, AL 36083

Phone: (334) 725-8200 Fax: (334) 725-8205