Angel Flight was founded at the University of Omaha in 1952 and unified its various chapters into a cohesive support organization for the Air Force ROTC in 1957. UT’s Lt. General Frank M. Andrews Chapter was chartered in 1963. It was the equivalent of the Army’s Sponsor Corps group of coeds.
In the 1980s local chapters were allowed to operate as Silver Wing chapters; in 1995 the group voted to rename the organization Angel Flight-Silver Wings. The annual sale of chrysanthemums at homecoming raised funds for philanthropy. In 1996 the purpose, scope, and mission of the national organization were redefined and the membership diversified. In 1998 the name of the organization and all chapters was changed to Silver Wings. At UT and elsewhere, the organization is now a national, coed, professional organization dedicated to creating proactive, knowledgeable, and effective civic leaders through community service and education about national defense.