Tuskegee Airmen ... the legacy continues

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) --  Four Tuskegee Airmen visited the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here April 23 to 25 and met the Airmen who are continuing their legacy in the 21st century.

Retired Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson; retired Lt. Col. James Warren; retired Maj. George Boyd; and former Staff Sgt. Phillip Broome met Airmen from across the wing, visited several facilities, and attended the 332nd AEW Combat Dining-In during their three-day visit here.

"I'm really thrilled at the opportunity to see and associate with such fine young people that represent my country, America," said Colonel Warren. "It is a pleasure to see the wonderful things that you (332nd AEW) are doing."

For only the second time, Tuskegee Airmen visited the 332nd AEW, which traces its military lineage back to the 332nd Fighter Group in World War II, which was composed of the Tuskegee Airmen.

"I never thought, 65 years ago as a member of the 332nd Fighter Group in Ramitelli, Italy, that we would come to this," said Colonel Jefferson. "It is above all expectations. We came up under some of the most adverse conditions: segregation, discrimination, even in the military, and we had to overcome this by persistence.

"As our leader Gen. Benjamin Oliver Davis said, 'persevere, stay with it, fight it, (and) overcome it,'" he continued. "I think this is part of it, part of the result of Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr., and a culmination of many of our hopes."

While the 332nd FG is known for its achievements, ultimately flying more than 15,000 sorties with 261 aerial victories to its credit, the group is also known for the adversity it faced.

"During and after World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen faced immense hardships both abroad and at home," said Col. Bruce Cox, deputy commander for the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group. "They were forced to endure both personal and professional challenges that would boggle the mind of the modern-day Airman.

"Setting high expectations, with committed teamwork and inspirational leadership, this extraordinary group of men overcame all obstacles and went on to achieve incredible combat results," the colonel added.

Today, the Tuskegee Airmen see the fruit of their hard-earned labors.

"The things that I've had to go through, I just forgot them and prayed that the day would come, and the day has come when I see the situation that exists now," Colonel Jefferson said. "I realize that what I went through was the basics, or a good foundation being laid for those that are here today to carry this job on. You have a job to do - do it. It's all for America."

During their visit here, the Tuskegee Airmen shared their wisdom and also encouraged servicemembers to continue to better themselves as individuals.

"(You) have a wonderful opportunity to get as much education as (you) can," said Major Boyd. "Warfare is not going to change; you are going to be charged with killing the enemy before he kills you. However, you can improve yourself as a citizen. You can vote. Protect that system because you need it.

"Be the best that you can be," he added. "If you see someone next to you that is not doing all they can to be the best they can be, help them along. Be a friend. You cannot get there by yourself."

As the Tuskegee Airmen interacted with Airmen here and shared their stories, Capt. Jeannie Berry, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Support Squadron trauma nurse, was glad the famous Airmen made the visit.

"It is wonderful to be able to showcase what we do here every day," said the captain deployed here from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and a native of Dover, Tenn. "It's an honor to carry on the Tuskegee legacy because they were such a great group of men.

"The wing should be proud to be called Tuskegee Airmen," she continued. "We need to continue doing the good work that we've been doing and continue their legend."

Not surprisingly, 332 AEW Airmen's admiration and appreciation for the living legends continued throughout the visit, especially during the combat dining-in April 24.

"It has been an honor to have some of our legacy and history with us," said Brig. Gen. Brian Bishop, 332nd AEW commander, "telling us what it's like to be a Tuskegee Airman. If it wasn't for them, we would not be able to do the things we are doing today."

After the four Tuskegee Airmen shared thoughts and stories with the "21st-century Tuskegee Airmen" (332nd AEW), Lt. Gen. Gary North, 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central commander, offered his perspective.

"What is captured in these gentlemen is an incredible ethos of America," said General North. "They fought adversity at home. They fought adversity overseas. They conquered and won.

Adding to the night's festivities, the audience sang "Happy Birthday" to Sergeant Broome, who will celebrate his 90th birthday next month.

"We had history right here," said Staff Sgt. Kelli Wietlisbach, apheresis technician with the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron, deployed from the 181st Intelligence Wing at Terre Haute, Ind. "I had the privilege of escorting Colonel Warren today. He showed me his photos, and told me his story.

"He lived through three wars," continued Sergeant Wietlisbach. "He knew we could do it then, and we can continue to succeed now. We just have to do it. Fighting a war isn't easy, but, when you fight for a country that does not treat you as an equal and you don't give up, that is impressing to me. It just put it all in perspective and brought it full circle." 

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