Gilbert F. Wheeler Jr. President/Founder
As a life member of the Tuskegee Airmen organization, Gilbert F. Wheeler Jr. has had the privilege of working closely with some of the original members. As the Founder of "On Laughter Silvered Wings", he has had the thrill of providing over 2,000 young people the opportunity to experience the joy of flight. Mr. Wheeler’s enthusiasm for his work is obvious and has very personal origins. "As a kid growing up in the projects of Washington, D.C. and graduating "Cum Laude" from Mackin High School," Mr. Wheeler says, " all I ever wanted to do was fly. In those days and even today, not many Blacks flew. I was told by many people, ‘Black people do not fly airplanes’ but the passion for flight never left my dreams. The worst part of hearing this was that I beleived it!" Now…I have my pilots license.”
The "On Laughter Silvered Wings" organization was started to give children with less economic means the opportunity to become involved in aviation. They are presently building a full scale airplane which when completed, will be used to teach children how to fly.
As for the challenges facing the African American community, he commented, “The rich and the poor need to help one another…We need to make a louder noise in praising our past and becoming mentors to our kids.” Further, he feels that neither the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, nor the 10 members living in the Denver community get the recognition they deserve. He strongly believes, “There should be a permanent bronze statue or some prominent monument for their contribution.”
He would like to be remembered as “the man who inspired kids to accomplish their dreams. I want to instill in them that whatever they want to do in life, they can as long as they learn to set goals and stay focused.”
Our President was featured in the Colorado Urban Spectrum as one of the winners of "The African American Who Make a Difference" Award.
