OHA Youth Take Flight with 99th Squadron at Valkaria Airport

Hands-on aviation partnership highlights Juneteenth and career exploration opportunity

ORLANDO, FL (June 19, 2025) In celebration of Juneteenth and as part of a partnership dedicated to broadening educational exposure for Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) youth, the 99th Squadron welcomed twelve OHA client families to Valkaria Airport in Brevard County for a day of immersive aviation experiences on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

The program introduced students to real-world aviation concepts and career pathways- free of charge- through a series of interactive, hands-on modules led by 99th Squadron volunteers. The day included flight planning exercises, pre-flight aircraft orientation, and capped off with discovery flights in four-seater aircraft piloted by trained instructors. With guidance from the Squadron's flight professionals, each child had the rare opportunity to sit in the cockpit and take the controls, applying aerodynamics, navigation, and engineering lessons in real-time.

"The 99th Squadron gave our youth more than just a day of flying-they gave them a vision for their future," said Vivian Bryant, President and CEO of the Orlando Housing Authority. "We are deeply grateful to Ramone Hemphill and the pilots of the 99th Squadron for honoring Juneteenth in such a meaningful way and to Brevard County for helping make this experience possible. At OHA, we are committed to ensuring the long-term success of our client families and experiences like this, which open minds, build confidence, and inspire dreams. The predominantly black and male pilots volunteered their time and aircraft to expose youth to aviation."

The 99th Squadron, named after America's 1st designated unit of black fighter pilots in World War II, continues the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by offering aviation outreach programs to youth across Florida, as funding and scheduling allow.

Orlando Housing Authority remains committed to connecting residents to transformative learning and career exploration opportunities and is continually seeking enriching youth and teen programming to support that mission.

Media Inquiries:

For more information, please contact Ashley Moore, Orlando Housing Authority Senior Communication Manager at 407-883-1674 (call/text) or ashley.moore@qcausa.com.