Tuskegee Airmen Honored For Achievements

A major milestone in history was celebrated at the Air Force Academy.
Five of the remaining Tuskegee Airmen and women were honored at a ceremony Thursday afternoon. (5/08/14)

While many others have been honored for their service, especially in World War II, this unique group of airmen is often overlooked.

The airmen didn’t know each other when they ended up in Alabama, but now they share an infinite bond. Not just because they’re pilots, but because they’re the first African-American pilots – pioneers in their field. They answered the call of duty during a time of military segregation.

These men, some of whom are 90 years old are still standing tall today.

“That whole thing still annoys me. That we have to go to Alabama in a time of racial segregation. Just annoyed me, still annoys me,” said Tuskegee Airman Randolph Ernest.

Due to their skin color, the Tuskegee Airmen had to train alone. On top of that, they said a lot of people didn’t think they were capable of being pilots.

“They thought that I, as an Afro-American, didn’t have the knowledge or the skills to become a pilot,” said Tuskegee Airman James Randall.

Randall and his comrades proved the critics wrong by flying high in the sky and serving the United States of America.