JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Airman 1st Class Travis Kidd, 316th Wing honor guardsman, marched rigidly into a hall at The Club on Joint Base Andrews, exhaled suddenly and unclasped the chin strap of his uniform in one swift motion. The Thomasville, Ala., native built up a lot of tension while laying a wreath in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen's only certified "ace."
Airman Kidd felt a special connection to this assignment. He grew up less than two hours from the Tuskegee Airmen's training ground, a specially segregated air field in Tuskegee, Ala.
He was also part of the honor guard element assigned to the event held to honor Lt. Col. Lee Archer, considered the only black ace in American history, who passed away at the age of 90 on Jan. 27.
The luncheon, held in the Prince George's and Annapolis Room on Feb. 16, also honored contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, who ferociously guarded Allied bombers over Europe during World War II in trademark red-tailed P-51 Mustangs. Their heroism helped win the war with Germany while directly contributing to racial integration for the armed forces. Knowing this history, Airman Kidd felt more than his share of responsibility for seeing the brief mission executed perfectly. "To me, being part of a ceremony involving the Tuskegee Airmen carries extra importance," said the honor guardsman, decompressing after the event. "These men led the way. Just look, it's really history right here, and it's important to honor them for it."
More than 130 Airmen were in attendance from units across the Air Force District of Washington. Event organizers scrambled at the last minute to accommodate the overwhelming turnout, rolling out extra tables and chairs. "The 'Redtails' courage and dedication to their country garners this kind of turnout on a regular basis," said Tech. Sgt. Nefertiti Haywood of the 79th Medical Wing. She is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen's East Coast Chapter and helped organize the event. "Everybody wants to see them and hear their stories first hand."
Many "Redtails" speak of being required to pass tests throughout their life. They had to prove that they were capable of flying advanced fighter aircraft. They had to prove that their mettle in battle matched the best pilots on both sides of conflict. They had to prove that they deserved all the resources and support offered to white Airmen. Most recently, they have had to prove that their lesson will not fade with time, even as the class of original pilots thins down to one.
That lone original pilot, retired Col. Charles McGee, a legend in the Air Force with more combat missions than any American pilot and over 6,000 flight hours, does not fly solo. "We have a responsibility to these kids serving today," said Colonel McGee, who signed copies of his biography after the luncheon. "Helping them understand the history of the military and the work of the men I flew with can help them execute their mission with pride and continue our work."
The "we" that Colonel McGee refers to is the Tuskegee Airmen's Association, formed in the 1970's and dedicated to educating the public about the "Redtails'" two-front war against prejudice and fascism.
Tuskegee Airmen's Association members can be spotted in a room as easily as their P-51's were in battle. All members sport bright red coats encrusted with the seal of the association. Original members like Colonel McGee also bear the Congressional Gold Medal, awarded to the first Tuskegee Airmen.
The keynote speaker at the event, retired Lt. Col. (Dr.) Ivan Ware, was an original Tuskegee Airman who served as part of the unit's ground support. Despite undergoing hip replacement surgery in December, Colonel Ware delivered a rousing speech, paying homage to the sacrifices of blacks in every war fought on American soil. "The victory in World War II could only be considered the start of the changes that had to be made in order to make this Union more perfect," said Doctor Ware. "America is a privilege earned by parental sacrifice. We are here today to recognize the sacrifices made by our parents and ancestors to forge equality out of injustice and move us down the path of integration."
Colonel Steven Shepro, 316th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, hosted the event and took the opportunity to share his thoughts on the Tuskegee Airmen's sacrifice. "You treated your country better than your country treated you," said Colonel Shepro. "Bombers asked for the "Redtails" by name, not caring what race was in the cockpit, but knowing that they would get the best coverage in the air. That is a remarkable legacy." Colonel Shepro also donated $500 to the Youth in Aviation program, run by the Tuskegee Airmen's Association.
Commanders from across the National Capital Region were in attendance, including AFDW commander Maj. Gen. Darrell Jones, 79th Medical Wing commander Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Gar S. Graham, Naval Air Facility Washington commander Capt. Timothy Fox, as well as 113th Wing commander Brig. Gen. Jeffrey R. Johnson.