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April 8, 2016 NEWS Thunderbolt
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Luke hosts Tuskegee 75th anniversary

Members of the original Tuskegee Airmen share a moment before the third annual Story and photo by Tech Sgt. “The ceremony was a remembrance of
Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day ceremony March 24 at Luke Air Force Base. LOUIS VEGA Jr. what happened in the past and an op-
The ceremony, held at the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Air Park, celebrates the men portunity to see what I think has been
DQGZRPHQZKRVHUYHGDV7XVNHJHH$LUPHQZKRVLJQLI\VDFUL¿FHDQGWKHVWUXJJOH 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs the most important accomplishment of
to overcome adversity in the face of racial discrimination. the Tuskegee Airmen, the integration of
A ceremony honoring 75 years of the the Armed Forces,” Ashby said. “Believe in
Tuskegee Airmen experience and the great yourselves, and put forth the effort needed
heritage of the “Red Tail” warriors from the to accomplish your goals,” he continued as
302nd Fighter Squadron took place March a message to today’s youth and a blueprint
24 during the Third Annual Tuskegee for success.
Airmen Commemoration Day at Luke Air
Force Base. ARAC is named for Fred Archer, who
was the first African American to earn the
The commemorative ceremony, held at the rank of chief master sergeant and Lincoln
Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Air Park, high- Ragsdale, a pilot with the 99th Fighter
lighted the incredible bravery, commitment Squadron in World War II, and later a civil
and expertise of the Tuskegee Airmen who rights leader here in Phoenix during the
signify sacrifice, the struggles of overcoming 50s and ‘60s.
adversity in the face of racial discrimination,
and a strong legacy of pioneer aviators. “More than 50 Tuskegee Airmen chapters
are established nationwide with a two-
About 80 people attended the ceremony fold purpose,” said Bernard Bruce, 56th
including retired Lt. Col. Robert Ashby, FW ground safety manager and ARAC
retired Lt. Col. Asa Herring, and retired chapter historian. “The first is to honor
Tech. Sgt. Rudolf Silas, three of the original the accomplishments of those who trained
Tuskegee Airmen, members of the Archer- and performed as Tuskegee Airmen dur-
Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Air- ing World War II. The second is to inspire
men, the Honorable Jerry Weirs, Glendale youth to outstanding achievements in
mayor, and leadership from the 56th and leadership through social and educational
944th fighter wings. activities, science, technology, engineering
and math. That is our passion, and that is
During the ceremony, a wreath was laid our challenge.”
at the base of the Red Tail by the original
Tuskegee Airmen, while the Luke AFB In July 1987, the 944th FW reactivated
Honor Guard performed Taps, and rendered
military honors. See TUSKEGEE, Page 15

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