From the Susquehanna Chapter of the Military Officer Association of America:
Four Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen – DOTA Major Anderson (aircraft sheet metal worker), DOTA William Fauntroy (pilot), DOTA Edward Talbert (cargo checker), and DOTA Ivan Ware (weapons and vehicle maintenance technician) – will be the guest speakers at a luncheon sponsored by the Susquehanna Chapter of the Military Officer Association of America on January 23, 2014, 11:30am, at the Richlin Ballroom, Edgewood, MD.
“Tuskegee Airmen” refers to all who were involved in the so-called “Tuskegee Experiment,” the Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air. The military selected the Tuskegee Institute to train pilots because of its commitment to aeronautical training. Tuskegee had the facilities, and engineering and technical instructors, as well as a climate for year round flying. The first Civilian Pilot Training Program students completed their instruction in May 1940. The Tuskegee program then expanded, becoming the center for African-American aviation during World War II.
The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. They proved conclusively that African Americans could fly and maintain sophisticated combat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen’s achievements, together with the men and women who supported them, paved the way for full integration of the U.S. military.
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization.
The Susquehanna Chapter, formed in 1968 and chartered in 1969, is one of the oldest chapters in the Maryland MOAA Council, and serves Harford and Cecil Counties.
These gentlemen are true American Heroes, and it is an honor to have them visit our area. I’d like to express my appreciation for their service, courage and sacrifice.
If only they could take a slight detour during their trip to visit some of the neighborhoods in Edgewood – perhaps they might be able to talk some sense into the residents.
The residents don’t want to hear what these heroes have to say, unfortunately.
That might not be a good idea. They make it through WWII and get mugged in Edgewood.