2020 Perseverance Award


The Rocky Mountain Branch of the IDA is proud to present Franklin J. Macon with our 2020 Extraordinary Perseverance Award!

Franklin J. Macon

Franklin J. Macon (Frank) is a Documented Tuskegee Airman and dyslexic.  He grew up and and lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Frank belonged to Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Hubert L. “Hooks” Jones Chapter, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to honoring the accomplishments and perpetuating the history of African-Americans who participated in air crew, ground crew and operations support training in the Army Air Corps during WWII; introducing young people across the nation to the world of aviation, aerospace, mathematics, and science through local programs such as the Mile High Flight Program; and, providing annual scholarships and awards to deserving individuals, groups and corporations whose deeds lend support to the goals of Tuskegee Airmen Inc.

Frank’s wish was for all kids to live with purpose and conquer their challenges.

What made Frank an expert? 97 years of life accomplishments and history.


Tuskegee Motto

Aim high
Believe in yourself
Use your brain
Never quit
Be ready to go
Expect to win


From the streets of Colorado Springs to the skies over Tuskegee, journey through childhood with Franklin J. Macon, who was recently one of fewer than 100 living Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, and one of two in Colorado. Frank passed away on November 22, 2020 at age 97.

Build wings and jump off the chicken coop. Mess around in George Washington Carver’s lab. Give speeches like Frank’s great, great grandmother’s half-brother Frederick Douglass. Soar through the century with Franklin J. Macon as he conquers dyslexia, struggles in school, finds mischief, and grows up to change the course of American and Aviation History.

You never know, you might grow up to make history too!

Click Here to Learn more about Mr. Macon and his book!