The Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen

  • Published
  • By by Airman 1st Class Caleb Worpel
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The fourth Thursday in March has become a significant 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 Airmen 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 celebration because we want to pay it forward,” said Ben Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing occupational 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 assigned to the 944th Operations Group when it was stationed at Luke Air Force Base. The squadron has since been assigned to the 477th Fighter Group at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Over 15,000 combat 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 understand 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 significant.”

The commemoration ceremony highlighted the Tuskegee Airmen’s commitment to aviation history and the struggles of overcoming racial discrimination. During the ceremony, military honors were performed to recognize the Airmen including speeches from distinguished guests, the laying of a wreath at the base of the static display and the Luke AFB Honor Guard playing of taps. A luncheon was held at Club Five Six immediately following the ceremony.

“The real impact of the Tuskegee Airmen has to be looked at in the context of the great obstacles that had to be overcome,” said retired Col. Richard Toliver, an Air Force pilot who had the honor of working with and being trained by some of the original 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 suppression back at home.”

Although many of the original Tuskegee Airmen have passed away, Luke plans to continue hosting the commemoration day to continue sharing the legacy left behind by these American heroes.