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Air Mobility Command takes part in Tuskegee Airman convention

  • Published
  • By Capt. Khalid Cannon
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PHOENIX --  Nearly 90 members of Air Mobility Command participated in the 35th Annual Tuskegee Airmen National Convention here July 31 to Aug. 4, celebrating the history of the first African-American combat pilots.

The event was particularly memorable for one participant attending his first convention.
"I found out after speaking to [retired] Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson that my great uncle, Lt. Vincent Mitchell, was a pilot with the 99th Pursuit Squadron," said Maj. Alex Cole, an Air Force Two pilot assigned to the 1st Airlift Squadron. He is one of only two African-American pilots who fly the vice president, secretaries of state and defense, and the first lady.

"Before I came here, I never knew that," said Major Cole. Before his arrival, some of his relatives encouraged him to ask about his uncle during the convention.

Colonel Jefferson not only knew Mitchell, but also shared some of his memories with Major Cole and will be sending him a photo of his great uncle in the cockpit of one the of unit's red-tailed P-51 Mustang aircraft.

"It makes me very proud. My time here has given me an appreciation for the Tuskegee Airmen and makes me thankful for their sacrifices," said Major Cole.

He has another connection to the history-making Airmen. His father completed his flight screening at the Tuskegee Institute with Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and the first black four-star general. His father retired as a colonel in the Air Force.

"I was honored just to be a part of this," Major Cole said.

Gen. Kevin Chilton, commander of Air Force Space Command, echoed this sentiment during his speech at the Tuskegee Airman Military Luncheon Aug. 4.

"It's humbling to stand before our nation's heroes. You fought for the right to fight and die for this country, and I'm very humbled by that," General Chilton said. "You showed us the importance of having a drive to put something before yourself. It's that same spirit that has made the Air Force so successful over the past 60 years."

Colonel Jefferson spoke about that fight for being able to serve in the military.

"We had to stand up and demand freedom and opportunity. The progress toward equality started not with the Civil Rights Movement, but with the desegregation of the military. It changed our society and our world," he said.
Among the 89 Tuskegee Airman who attended the convention was George Taylor, who flew 250 combat hours including close air support missions for Allied convoys into Anzio, Italy. He strafed radar towers and airfields in Greece, and escorted bombers.

"Because of the leadership of [General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., commander of the 332nd Fighter Group], we never lost a bomber. We never had an ace during the war because he instructed us to never leave the formation," said Mr. Taylor. He added that other units' fighter pilots left the formation to pursue German fighters, but General Davis made sure the Tuskegee Airmen stayed true to the mission.

The AMC bases represented were Dover AFB, Del.; Elmendorf AFB, Ala; McChord AFB, Wash; MacDill AFB, Fla.; McGuire AFB, N.J.; Andrews AFB, Md.; Pope AFB, N.C.; Robins AFB, Ga.; Scott AFB, Ill.; and Travis AFB Calif. Personnel from the 15th and 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force Forces and the 615th Contingency Response Wing also attended.

"I was truly proud of the AMC Warriors attending and participating in the convention events. We were delighted to represent the command and tell the AMC story, our mission and successes," said Col. Martin Sayles, AMC project officer and deputy director of Manpower and Personnel.

"I sincerely thank the commanders and directors for their awesome support of this great community outreach program," he said.

During the week-long conference, military personnel attended several forums including one that was beneficial to Staff Sgt. Kerri Harris, a loadmaster with the 9th Airlift Squadron.

"The military women's forum was very informative. It was great seeing such strong women because I can aspire to be like them," said Sergeant Harris. "One point that they stressed was the importance of balancing military service with your family."

"The panel told us it is not enough for leadership to affect diversity and be role models, but we all need to regardless of rank," she said.

Lt. Gen. Chris Kelly, AMC vice commander, offered insight about the meaning of the convention and AMC's participation.

"This convention recognizes our rich Air Force heritage and honors the distinguished service and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. There can be no argument, these men are among our nation's most courageous and accomplished combat warriors," said General Kelly.

"Of course, I'm particularly proud of and happy about Air Mobility Command's presence and participation," he said. "The professional development, mentoring and leadership seminars our people have had the opportunity to participate in will go a long way in helping us develop the next generation of Air Force and mobility leaders."