Page 17 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt April 7, 2017

Thunderbolt NEWS April 2017 17
AIR FORCE SPORTS
Active Duty, Guard and Reserves
http://www.luke.af.mil
Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
Applications are now being accepted for
AIR FORCE TRIATHLON TEAM
to compete in the Armed Forces Triathlon 7-11 Jun 2017
Naval Base Ventura County, CA
Download Air Force Form 303 from www.myairforcelife.com/Sports/
Submit NLT 26 April 17 via myPERS https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/app/dynamicforms/display/form/40/p2566,2569/c/1525
For more information contact MSgt Marcus Darnell at marcus.darnell@us.af.mil or TSgt Trymond Rubin at trymond.rubin@us.af.mil
RESORT STYLE LIVING
You’reon thevergeof something beautiful.
by Airman 1st Class CALEB WORPEL
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The fourth Thursday in March has become a signifi- cant date in Arizona as a day to celebrate the famed Tuskegee Airmen who helped shape the diverse culture of the United States Air Force.
Luke Thunderbolts, members of the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen and community members came together to take part in the Fourth Annual Tuskegee Air- men Commemoration Day, March 23, 2017 held at the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Air Park in front of the red tail F-16 static display.
“We highlight this as a cel- ebration because we want to pay it forward,” said Ben Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing oc- cupational safety manager and ARAC historian. “I think what the Tuskegee Airmen story does for the Air Force is highlight diversity and the value it holds.”
The 302nd Fighter Squadron, which was one of four African-
American fighter squadrons to enter combat during World War II, was attached to the 944th Fighter Wing Reserve Compo- nent, which calls Luke home today. More than 15,000 com- bat sorties were flown and 250 German airplanes destroyed by the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII advancing the United States toward ultimate victory.
“We want people to under- stand where we came from, where the contributions were made and why it is important for us to remember the events of the Tuskegee Airmen,” Bruce said. “It is historically signifi- cant.”
The commemoration ceremo- ny highlighted the Tuskegee Airmen’s commitment to avia- tion history and the struggles of overcoming racial discrimi-
nation. During the ceremony, military honors were performed to recognize the Airmen includ- ing speeches from distinguished guests, the laying of a wreath at the base of the static dis- play and the Luke AFB Honor Guard playing of taps. There was a luncheon at Club Five Six immediately following the ceremony.
“The real impact of the Tuske- gee Airmen has to be looked at in the context of the great ob- stacles that had to be overcome,” said retired Col. Richard Toliver, author and second generation Tuskegee Airmen. “Not only did they have to fight to win the war overseas, they had to prove themselves and fight to overcome stiff racial suppres- sion back at home.”
Although many of the origi- nal Tuskegee Airmen have passed away, Luke plans to continue hosting the com- memoration day to continue sharing the legacy left behind by these American heroes.
To view the Tuskegee Air- men Tribute video, go to www. youtube.com/watch?v=UVSr66 F1R5Y&feature=youtu.be.
(623) 385-0129
Pricing subject to change and does not include upgrades and location premiums. Homeowners Association fees are applicable. Pric
www.CachetAtTheWigwam.com
nd dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual uyers receipt and review of a Arizona Subdivision Public Report.
Tuskegee Airmen legacy thrives
DISCOVER THE NEWEST CACHET HOMES COMMUNITY WITH THREE DISTINCT HOME COLLECTIONS TO FIT EVERY LIFESTYLE
THE VILLA COLLECTION
CONDOS 1,522 to 1,961 sq. ft. from the $250's
THE LIFESTYLE COLLECTION
TOWNHOMES 1,723 sq. ft. to 2,895 sq. ft. from the $310's
THE SIGNATURE COLLECTION
SINGLE FAMILY 1,900 to 2,292 sq. ft. from the $340's