Tuskegee Airmen ... the legacy continues

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Morris | Retired Maj. George Boyd, an original Tuskegee Airman, speaks with Airmen here April 24. Overall, four Original Tuskegee Airmen, the famed World War II aviation pioneers, met with Airmen assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing on April 23-24. The 332nd AEW traces its military lineage back to the Tuskegee Airmen, who were part of the 332nd Fighter Group.  

BALAD, IRAQ

04.25.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala 

332d Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — History was made here on April 23-25, as four original Tuskegee Airmen visited the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and met the Airmen who are continuing their legacy in the 21st century.

Overall, the living legends: retired Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson; retired Lt. Col. James Warren; retired Maj. George Boyd; and former Staff Sgt. Philip Broome met Airmen from across the wing, visited several facilities, and attended the 332nd AEW Combat Dining-In during their three-day visit here.

"I'm really thrilled at the opportunity to see and associate with such fine young people that represent my country, America," said Warren. "It is a pleasure to see the wonderful things that you [332nd AEW] are doing."

For only the second time, Original Tuskegee Airmen visited the 332nd AEW -- which traces its military lineage back to the 332nd Fighter Group in World War II, which was comprised of the Tuskegee Airmen.

"I never thought, 65 years ago as a member of the 332nd Fighter Group in Ramitelli, Italy, that we would come to this," said Jefferson. "It is above all expectations. We came up under some of the most adverse conditions: segregation, discrimination, even in the military, and we had to overcome this by persistence.

"As our leader Gen. Benjamin Oliver Davis said, 'persevere, stay with it, fight it, (and) overcome it,'" he continued. "I think this is part of it, part of the result of Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr., and a culmination of many of our hopes."

While the 332nd FG is known for its achievements, ultimately flying more than 15,000 sorties with 261 aerial victories to its credit, the group is also known for the adversity it faced.

"During and after WWII, the Tuskegee Airmen faced immense hardships both abroad and at home," noted Colonel Bruce Cox, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group deputy commander. "They were forced to endure both personal and professional challenges that would boggle the mind of the modern-day Airman.

"Setting high expectations, with committed teamwork and inspirational leadership, this extraordinary group of men overcame all obstacles and went on to achieve incredible combat results," the colonel added.

Now, the original Tuskegee Airmen see the ultimate fruit of their hard-earned labors.

"The things that I've had to go through, I just forgot them and prayed that the day would come, and the day has come when I see the situation that exists now," Jefferson said. "I realize that what I went through was the basics, or a good foundation being laid for those that are here today to carry this job on. You have a job to do — do it. It's all for America."

During their visit here, the original Tuskegee Airmen shared their wisdom and also encouraged service members to continue to better themselves as individuals.

"(You) have a wonderful opportunity to get as much education as (you) can," said Boyd. "Warfare is not going to change; you are going to be charged with killing the enemy before he kills you. However, you can improve yourself as a citizen. You can vote. Protect that system because you need it.

"Be the best that you can be," he added. "If you see someone next to you that is not doing all they can to be the best they can be, help them along. Be a friend. You cannot get there by yourself."

As the original Tuskegee Airmen interacted with Airmen here and shared their stories, Capt. Jeannie Berry, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Support Squadron trauma nurse, was glad the famous Airmen made the visit.

"It is wonderful to be able to showcase what we do here every day," said the captain deployed here from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and a native of Dover, Tenn. "It's an honor to carry on the Tuskegee legacy because they were such a great group of men.

"The wing should be proud to be called Tuskegee Airmen," she continued. "We need to continue doing the good work that we've been doing and continue their legend. They paved the way for everyone else in the military."

Not surprisingly, 332 AEW Airmen's admiration and appreciation for the living legends continued throughout the visit - especially during the combat dining-in April 24.

"It has been an honor to have some of our legacy and history with us," said Brig. Gen. Brian Bishop, 332nd AEW commander, "telling us what it's like to be a Tuskegee Airman. If it wasn't for them, we would not be able to do the things we are doing today."

After the four original Tuskegee Airmen — or "20th-century Tuskegee Airmen" as they referred to themselves — shared some thoughts and stories with the "21st-century Tuskegee Airmen" (332nd AEW), Lt. Gen. Gary North, 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central commander, offered his perspective about the American patriots he's escorting throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

"What is captured in these gentlemen is an incredible ethos of America," said General North. "They fought adversity at home. They fought adversity overseas. They conquered and won.

"There's a Senior Airman in the room, there's a second lieutenant in the room, who will remember tonight when they're 90 years old," the general added.

Adding to the night's festivities, the audience sang "Happy Birthday" to Sergeant Broome, who will celebrate his 90th birthday next month.

In addition, General North announced the 332nd AEW has been awarded the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award for the period Feb. 1, 2008 to Jan. 31, 2009.

"That is because of the work each and every one of you does each and every day," said General Bishop.

Concluding the dining-in, the original Tuskegee Airmen signed memorabilia and took photos.

"We had history right here," said Staff Sgt. Kelli Wietlisbach, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron apheresis technician, deployed here from the 181st Intelligence Wing, Terre Haute, Ind. "I had the privilege of escorting Colonel Warren today. He showed me his photos, and told me his story.

"He lived through three wars," continued the Shelbyville, Ind., native. "He knew we could do it then, and we can continue to succeed now. We just have to do it. Fighting a war isn't easy, but, when you fight for a country that does not treat you as an equal and you don't give up, that is impressing to me. It just put it all in perspective and brought it full circle. How can I not want to do this? Be here? I can't let them [Tuskegee Airmen] down."

• Date Taken: 04.25.2009
• Date Posted: 04.25.2009 15:52
• Story ID: 32880
• Location: BALAD, IQ