This presentation is aimed at sharing information about a population of men who engaged in military service to this country with duties involving aviation. The era that this book addresses is one during which there was considerable racial turmoil in America. So, these were stalwart men who entered into a career field dominated by white males who did not readily embrace them. More specifically, the book is about black helicopter pilots who experienced combat duty in Vietnam (among the first were Tuskegee Airmen), some making the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives, and who certainly have a place in U.S. history. It is also a story of the uncommon fortitude, perseverance, and triumph of black men who were often compelled to fight multiple battles against multiple enemies simultaneously (the enemy overseas and racial discrimination at home).
Dr. Joe Ponds is a distinguished educator, author, and military veteran based in Beverly Hills, Florida. He served as a U.S. Army combat helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War and, following his honorable discharge in 1975, made history by becoming the first Black Direct Commissioned Aviator in U.S. Coast Guard history.
Dr. Ponds is the author of The 600 m.o.l. – Black Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam: Tuskegee Glory, a book that chronicles the experiences of Black helicopter pilots in Vietnam, highlighting their courage and the racial challenges they faced.
Beyond his military and literary contributions, Dr. Ponds is the founder and President of Memory College, LLC, where he offers memory enhancement training to various organizations, including the University of Central Florida and The Villages Lifelong Learning College . He is also the founder of Ponds Consulting, providing human resource consulting, facilitation, and training services to clients such as the American Lung Association and the Florida Department of Children and Families.
In his community, Dr. Ponds serves as the Pastor of Beverly Hills Bible Church . He is also the President of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida . Additionally, he is the Executive Director of Remember Vets Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and their families.
Dr. Ponds has been recognized as an outstanding educator, facilitator, and trainer by organizations such as the American Lung Association, the American Association for Respiratory Care, and the Florida Attorney General's Office. He has delivered keynote speeches for numerous organizations, including the Citrus County School Board, Florida Women in Government, and the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention. His contributions have also been acknowledged through his induction into Morgan State University's ROTC Hall of Fame.
Dr. Ponds continues to inspire through his multifaceted career, combining military service, education, authorship, and community leadership.
