Honoring Aviation History's Excellence
Dr. Joseph Peeden, head of the scholarship committee for the American Volunteers Group Flying Tigers Association (AVGFTA), announced that aerospace engineering students Alvaro Andres Delgado and Jacob Lewis are recipients of annual Flying Tigers Scholarship Awards. They received their awards for their exceptional essays which illustrated the critical contributions made by the first Flying Tigers at the start of World War II.
"In honoring these outstanding aerospace engineering students, we recognize their commitment to conserving and publicizing the Flying Tigers' important heritage, a legacy that continues to inspire future aviators and researchers alike," Peeden said.
Alvaro Andres Delgado: Technician and Future Aviator
Alvaro Andres Delgado, a senior pursuing an aerospace engineering degree that will be awarded in 2024, has made considerable progress in his aviation career. Aside from his academic pursuits, he is a skilled aviation maintenance technician who is working hard to acquire his pilot's license at White Hawk Aviation, Culpeper County Regional Airport. His essay earned him a scholarship of $2000.
Jacob Lewis: Future U.S. Air Force Pilot
A $1000 scholarship was awarded to Jacob Lewis, a third-year student in the same aerospace engineering program at UVA. His ambition is to join the United States Air Force as a pilot after graduation, joining a history of bravery and heroism.
Uncovering the Flying Tigers' Legacy
Both Alvaro Andres Delgado and Jacob Lewis explored interesting points about the Flying Tigers' historical relevance.
Delgado concentrated on the aeronautical methods and amazing achievements of the pilots under Colonel Claire Lee Chennault's leadership. He emphasized their legendary 300-to-14 victory ratio in combat, as well as the AVGFTA's constant backing from both the Chinese and American governments, which ultimately led to the United States' involvement in World War II.
Lewis shed light on the exceptional coordination between American pilots and their British RAF pilots in extreme combat conditions. He also emphasized the ground crew's critical role in maintaining the aircraft and critical support facilities, an often-overlooked part of their wartime operations.
Delgado and Lewis will receive their awards in a ceremony at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering on Oct. 20.