Frank Bell is a native of Tampa, Florida and is a descendent of World War I & II veterans who served in Buffalo Soldier military units during those periods. After graduating from Howard W. Blake high school in 1968, he headed to Florida A & M University but later entered military service, enlisting in the United States Air Force.

Bell was assigned to air support operations that sustained advanced reconnaissance aircraft such as the U-2 and SR-71 Black Bird during the Vietnam conflict. In the early 70’s, Bell transferred to Kennedy Space Center/Patrick AF Base in a flight engineer position; his units’ aircraft operations included EC-135D and RC-135B flight platforms supporting manned and unmanned missile missions and weapons researches on lazier guided armaments.

Following separation from the Air Force, Bell entered the civilian work force, gaining employment with the City of Tampa, where he has worked for 27 years, retiring in 2008; Bell was the Assistant Manager with the Stormwater Operations Division.

Mr. Bell’s professional and community affiliations include: the American Public Works Association-Florida West Coast Branch, Hillsborough County/City of Tampa employees Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and the Woods & Wanton Chapter-Buffalo Soldiers-9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association. Bell was named the associations’ national historian in 2005. In that position, he is responsible for annual historical programs and presentations of African American military history, including the storied history of the Buffalo Soldiers, most of which still remains hidden (omitted) from our history books.

Now retired, Mr. Bell has devoted more time to continued historical research and community service. He is the co- founder of the Dr. Martin Luther King Parade-Tampa, Inc. an organization founded on the principles of justice and equity. The corporation’s passion and purpose is not unlike Mr. Bell’s; it engages diverse audiences and increasing understanding through knowledge. The Parade and its activities do this by creating opportunities within the community raising funds and awarding scholarships to deserving senior who wish, to receive a college education. The 20th annual Martin Luther King Parade and surrounding activities are coming up the weekend of January 17 – 19th, 2009. For additional celebration details please visit the website at www.mlkjrparade.com

You may contact Frank by sending an email to: FrankBell@MLkjrParade.com