Tuskegee Airmen honored at Luke

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. --  A ceremony honoring the great heritage of the "Red Tail" warriors from the 302nd Fighter Squadron took place Mar 26 during the second annual Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

The ceremony, held at the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Air Park, celebrated the men and women of the Tuskegee Airmen who signify sacrifice, the struggles of overcoming adversity in the face of racial discrimination, and a strong legacy of pioneer aviators.

About 100 people attended the ceremony including Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Ashby, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Asa Herring, and Master Sgt. (Ret.) Rudolf Silas, three of the original Tuskegee Airmen, members of the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Mayor Georgia Lord, City of Goodyear, Mayor Kenn Weise, City of Avondale, leadership from the 56th and 944th Fighter Wings, and veterans of the Chinese Canadian "Dragon Tales" who also fought in World War II.

Like the Tuskegee Airmen the "Dragon Tales" share a similar story of overcoming racial prejudice to serve their country with courage and distinction.

During the ceremony, a wreath was laid at the base of the red tail by four World War II vets; two Tuskegee Airmen and two Dragon Tale members. The Luke AFB Honor Guard performed Taps and rendered the proper military honors.

"I ask that you remember the legacy of these incredible men who fought for our future at a time when they had a perfect excuse not to serve," said Bernard Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing ground safety manager and chapter historian for the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. "America didn't want them, but serve they did, and with honor."

In July of 1987, the 944th FW re-activated the 302nd Fighter Squadron and a few years later in March of 2000 they re-activated the 301st Fighter Squadron.  Both these units belonged to the 332nd Fighter Group during World War II. Both units have since transitioned to the F-22 mission and are located at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska and Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico respectively.

"Here at the 944th FW we feel a special bond with our Tuskegee brothers and sisters," said Col. Kurt Gallegos, 944th Fighter Wing commander during his speech. "Although we no longer have the 302nd or the 301st squadrons here at Luke, this air park behind me serves as a constant reminder of the accomplishments, contributions and sacrifices the Airmen made in the defense of our country."

Several pivotal milestones happened in the month of March from 1940 to 1949 for those who participated in the Tuskegee Airmen experience, including when the first Tuskegee Airmen ground crews began training, when the first flying unit, the 99th pursuit squadron, was activated and when the first aviation cadets received their pilot wings. In April 2013 former Governor Jan Brewer signed into law Senate Bill 1128 that designates the fourth Thursday in March as the Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in the state of Arizona.