San Diego commemorates black history month with Tuskegee Airman

Courtesy Photo | Navy Capt. Richard McCarthy, Defense Contract Management Agency San Diego commander, presents Nelson Robinson, a member of the Tuskegee Airman, with a certificate of appreciation for serving as the guest speaker during an African American History Month celebration hosted by his contract management office.  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

03.17.2015

Courtesy Story

Defense Contract Management Agency

SAN DIEGO - Nelson Robinson, a member of the Tuskegee Airman, enhanced Defense Contract Management Agency San Diego’s African American History Month celebration, providing a dynamic, informative and educational presentation. It illustrated the Tuskegee Airmen’s significant contributions to the nation.

Robinson, from the General B. O’Davis, Jr., Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, is a member of the Tuskegee experience that included a group of 992 African-American pilots trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field from 1941 to 1946. Members of the 332nd Fight Group operated in the European Theater from 1943 to 1945 and gained fame during World War II for their heroism while escorting American bombers in raids over Germany and Romania. They never lost a bomber to enemy aircraft in over 299 bomber escort missions. Their distinguished service is credited with influencing President Harry Truman to desegregate the military in 1948.

On March 29, 2007, Robinson was among the Tuskegee Airmen collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

“His passionate and historic presentation about the amazing accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II inspired and educated the DCMA San Diego family,” said John Sarfo, DCMA San Diego industrial specialist. “Robinson’s singing of the warrior song of the 1940’s Tuskegee Airmen regiment, visibly resonated with the audience.”

According to Sarfo, the audience watched the presentation with deep admiration and appreciation as they listened actively while Robinson demonstrated his love for his country and shared his inspirational memories.

“The DCMA family left the program feeling inspired and honored to shake hands with a true hero,” said Glenda Guza, DCMA San Diego contract administrator.

The DCMA San Diego African American History Month committee organized the celebration and was responsible for getting Robinson to serve as a guest speaker. DCMA San Diego committee members included Sarfo; Josue Santiago, IS; Jermaine Samuel, software specialist; Lawrence Swan, quality assurance specialist; Julie Weeks, contract administrator; Henrietta Robinson, procurement technician; Christopher Dempsey, QAS; Arnold Joubert, QAS; David Wortham, QAS; Peter Miller, administrative contracting officer; Nathan Barkley, IS; Lijuan Stahl, supply chain specialist; Charles Waterford, software specialist; Lila Defensor, ACO; and Ma’at Little, supervisory contract specialist.

“Having Mr. Nelson Robinson here at DCMA to share his experiences brought to life the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and their heroic efforts from World War II that are still felt today both in the integration and spirit of excellence of our U.S. Armed Forces,” said Navy Capt. Richard McCarthy, DCMA San Diego commander. “It was truly an honor to have a living legend visit us.”

• Date Taken: 03.17.2015
• Date Posted: 03.24.2015 12:48
• Story ID: 157881
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US