Tuskegee Airmen a Big Part of Memorial Day Ceremony

Tuskeegee Airmen Dr Granville Coggs (L) and Mr. Theodore Johnson addressed the large crowd at the Commemorative Center Hangar during the Memorial Day Ceremony.

Tuskegee Airmen Dr Granville Coggs (L) and Mr. Theodore Johnson addressed the large crowd at the Commemorative Center Hangar during the Memorial Day Ceremony.

Congressman and Mrs. Mike Conaway were present and Congressman Conaway gave a very moving tribute.

Congressman and Mrs. Mike Conaway were present and Congressman Conaway gave a very moving tribute.

There was a large crowd for today's ceremony.

There was a large crowd for today’s ceremony.

HSW members (L to R) Lyle Thornton, Jerry Perales, Brent Collins and Bobby Meroney view the media presentation (produced by Michael Clinton) at our recruiting table.

HSW members (L to R) Lyle Thornton, Jerry Perales, Brent Collins and Bobby Meroney view the media presentation (produced by Michael Clinton) at our recruiting table.

HSW members Bob Keating (center) and Bobby Meroney (right) visit with Tuskeegee Airman Mr. Theodore Johnson.

HSW members Bob Keating (center) and Bobby Meroney (right) visit with Tuskegee Airman Mr. Theodore Johnson.

Today’s Memorial Day Ceremony was highlighted by the presence of two Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Granville Coggs and Mr. Theodore Johnson, who talked about their World War II experiences.  Additionally, there was a presentation by Honor Flight of the Permian Basin which made us aware of the pending flight to Washington, D.C. in September. They are still in need of funding and had set up a table selling shirts and raffle tickets for a chance to win a .22 cal Henry rifle (drawing to be held on 11/11/14).

HSW members organized and sold lunch, and while I have been told that it was very profitable, the final numbers aren’t in yet.  The recruiting table signed up two members, and gave applications to several more.  This is the first occasion we have had to utilize both Michael Clinton’s media presentation and our new aircraft brochures.  Both were well accepted.

Thanks to Gena Linebarger and the wing staff for insuring that this event was once more a success.  And a special thanks to all of those who pitched in on Saturday for clean-up and set-up, and today for serving and tear down.  HSW members continue to prove everyday what a great wing we have!  Keep up the good work!

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