Luke hosts Tuskegee 75th Anniversary Published March 25, 2016 By Tech Sgt. Louis Vega Jr. 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A ceremony honoring 75 years of the Tuskegee Airmen experience and the great heritage of the “Red Tail” warriors from the 302nd Fighter Squadron took place during the Third Annual Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day here March 24. Held at the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Air Park, the ceremony highlighted the incredible bravery, commitment, and expertise 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 80 people attended the ceremony including Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Ashby, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Asa Herring, and Tech. Sgt. (Ret.) Rudolf Silas, three of the original Tuskegee Airmen, members of the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter (ARAC) Tuskegee Airmen, the Honorable Jerry Weirs, City of Glendale mayor, and leadership from the 56th and 944th Fighter Wings. During the ceremony, a wreath was laid at the base of the red tail by the original Tuskegee Airmen while the Luke AFB Honor Guard performed Taps and rendered the proper military honors. “The ceremony was a remembrance of what happened in the past and an opportunity to see what I think has been the most important accomplishment of the Tuskegee Airmen, the integration of the Armed Forces,” said Ashby. “Believe in yourselves, and put forth the effort needed to accomplish your goals,” he continued as a message to today’s youth and a blueprint for success. ARAC is named for Fred Archer, who was the first African American to earn the rank of Chief Master Sgt. and Lincoln Ragsdale, a pilot with the 99th Fighter Squadron in World War II and later a civil rights leader in Phoenix during the 1950’s and 60’s. “Over 50 Tuskegee Airmen chapters are established nation-wide with a two-fold purpose,” said Bernard Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing occupational ground safety manager and chapter historian for ARAC. “The first is to honor the accomplishments of those who trained and performed as Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. The second is to inspire youth to outstanding achievements in leadership through social and educational activities, science, technology, engineering and Math. That is our passion and that is our challenge.” In July of 1987, the 944 FW re-activated the 302nd Fighter Squadron and in March of 2000, they re-activated the 301st Fighter Squadron. Both these units belonged to the 332nd Fighter Group during WWII. The units have since transitioned to the F-22 mission at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, respectively. However, the 944 FW still embraces the proud tradition of the Tuskegee Airmen. “Not only do I get to lead the 944th Fighter Wing with its strong ties to the Tuskegee Airmen but I have served under its flag while deployed with the 332nd Fighter Air Expeditionary Group four times in Iraq,” said Col. Kurt Gallegos, 944th Fighter Wing commander. “Through the enormous sacrifices and accomplishments that made them legendary, these brave Airmen lived up to the core values of ‘Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.’ I can assure you that our future aviators and maintainers will always remember the ‘Red Tails.’” 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, the first flying unit, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, was activated, and the first Tuskegee 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 Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in the state of Arizona. Currently, Arizona is the only state to have a designated day set aside to honor the Tuskegee Airmen.