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Red Tails soar through history

  • Published
  • By Airman Ryan Throneberry
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and members of the original Tuskegee Airmen enjoyed an advanced screening of Red Tails Jan. 17 at the King of Prussia Mall Theater in King of Prussia, Pa.

The film portrays the exploits of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, an all-black fighter squadron, with the claim-to-fame of never having lost a bomber to enemy air action in World War II.

The premiere began with a reception for the guests, to give them a chance to enjoy refreshments and mingle with the Tuskegee Airmen.

Retired Tech. Sgt. George Watson, is a former ground support Airman with the 332nd Fighter Group and original member of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Lakewood, N.J. native, said he enjoyed speaking with all the active-duty Airmen and movie-goers.

"It was nice to get so many handshakes and thank you's from the Airmen at the premiere," said Watson. "They were all looking sharp."

Watson enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942, before the Air Force became a separate branch, and served until 1969.

"It was a humbling experience to speak with a man who is part of such an historic group of Airmen," said Airman 1st Class Christopher Good, 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron special vehicle mechanic from Gardinia, Calif., who spoke with Watson at the premiere. "Their experiences have inspired me to overcome some adversities in my own life."

The Tuskegee Airmen who attended the premier introduced themselves to a full house of attendees.

The film portrays the segregation and racism felt by the Tuskegee Airmen in their day-to-day lives but also their drive to be the best pilots they could be.

"There was a lot of prejudice against us back then, but we stuck together," said Watson. "We had to."

The action-adventure movie depicted a group of Airmen overcoming extreme adversity and subjugation to become one of the most reknowned and successful flying units in U.S. history.

Good, a Filipino and Panamanian, said he understands what it is like to be different among his peers.

The film also showed how black officers were denied entry to the officer's club even though portions of their monthly paycheck were deducted to finance the clubs.

"I felt the film presented me with a taste of the past," said Good. "Their fights and struggles paved the road to equality; a road travelled freely by all today."

Watson said he grew emotional during the film, as some of the scenes brought back memories of wingmen lost in the war that changed the world.

The crowd of veterans, servicemembers and civilians broke into applause as the movie came to a close.

"I would definitely recommend the film to anyone who is looking to learn some things about the Tuskegee Airmen," said Watson. "I hope this film will create a new buzz about the exploits of this special group of young men."

Watson served 27 years in the military in both active duty and the reserves.

"I want the young Airmen of today to understand how far we've come since the time of World War II," said Watson.