2026 Wings Over the Branch Awards Ceremony

Cecil Hoyer — Trailblazer Award The first Black Air Traffic Manager at the Memphis Air Route Traffic Control Center and an influential NBCFAE leader who helped open doors for others. Shirley Blache — Wind Beneath Our Wings Award Educator and founder of Project Altitude, whose commitment to aviation education has introduced middle-school girls and other young people to aviation, STEM careers, camps, workshops, and opportunities to dream bigger. Jeff Holmes — Unsung Legacy Award Licensed pilot, educator, former FedEx curriculum developer, and pioneer in introducing aviation to Memphis City Schools students. His quiet, steady commitment to teaching and mentorship continues to make a difference. A Special Legacy Recognition Remembering Billy Shannon We will also pause to honor the extraordinary aviation legacy of Billy Shannon—Vietnam veteran, founding member and chief pilot of the Memphis Blackhawks Aviation Association, longtime FedEx aviation manager, FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recipient, and mentor whose knowledge and service inspired generations. Join us as we honor the legacy, celebrate those who opened doors, and inspire those who will fly through them next. Friday, September 25, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Flight Academy 8450 Terminal Drive Olive Branch, MS 38654 Admission is FREE but must register via Eventbrite Presented by Team Memphis — We Love Aviation!