Tuskegee Airmen Soar as They Tell Their Stories of Challenge and Triumph
May 3, 2012
Categories : Diversity
Types : Press Releases
Veterans Dr. Eugene Richardson, Jr. and Aaron Watkins,
Speakers at Montgomery McCracken’s “Minorities in the Military” Series
Montgomery McCracken’s Diversity Committee and co-sponsor Richel D’Ambra Spa and Salon, presented the first segment in a new series, “Minorities in the Military.” Dr. Eugene Richardson, of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, a 2nd Lieutenant and fighter pilot during World War II, and Aaron Watkins, a second-generation Tuskegee Airman, who flew Chinook helicopters during the Vietnam War, were the featured speakers. The Tuskegee Airmen, the legendary all African American squadron based in Tuskegee, Alabama were the first black aviators of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Despite the discrimination and racism they faced, the Tuskegee Airmen served their country with pride and honor and went on to become the celebrated airmen that served as the inspiration for the movie “Red Tails.” In a moving, entertaining, and informative presentation, Richardson and Watkins shared their personal experiences and discussed the challenges faced by African Americans seeking to serve in the military, the many contributions from the country’s fight for independence to the present day, and the evolution of perceptions and levels of acceptance of African Americans in the military throughout our country’s history. You can find out more about the Tuskegee Airmen by visiting their monthly meetings that are open and welcome to the public.
