The Leonard Graphic

Commerce, TEXAS (Feb. 29, 2012)—Surviving Tuskegee Airman Army Lieutenant Calvin J. Spann will share his story at Texas A&M University-Commerce March 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the Ferguson Social Science Auditorium.

The event is open to the public at no cost and hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Alumni Relations, and Dr. Mary Hendrix, vice president of student access and success.

A&M-Commerce and the community will have an exciting opportunity to see history come to life as Spann, one of the first black military aviators in United States history, shares his story as a Tuskegee Airman. Spann is one of few surviving airmen from the original 996 pilots who trained at the Tuskegee Army Airfield between 1941 and 1946. Now in his late eighties, Spann is part of the legacy that inspired the new movie Red Tails.

As part of A&M-Commerce’s celebration of Living Legends Lecture Series, the Eta Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and Theta Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting the round table lecture. After sharing his story, Spann will answer attendee questions.

Dec. 26, 2011 - On Dec. 7, Fannin County Narcotics Investigators executed a search and arrest warrant in the 800 block of E. 8th St. in Bonham. During the search, the suspect, Juan Carlos Paz-Cannales, managed to escape from custody. Investigators believed at that time that Paz-Cannales possibly fled to an area residence and was likely driven away by friends.

An information release was forwarded to area media requesting that anyone having information of the possible whereabouts of Paz-Cannales contact law-enforcement. Investigators received some telephone calls with possible locations for Paz-Cannales. Tips were checked and investigators determined that Paz-Cannales might have possibly fled to Oklahoma.