Tuskegee Airmen Torchbearers Deliver Lessons in History and Perseverance to Hampton Middle School Students

 

HENRY COUNTY, GA – History came to life, transcending the pages of textbooks and classroom instruction, when three U.S. Army veterans visited Hampton Middle School to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation’s first African American military pilots.

The Feb. 28 event, which presented an engaging and memorable opportunity to connect with living history, marked the culmination of the school’s Black History Month celebrations.

“The goal was for students to gain a sense of pride in their history and culture,” said Social Studies Chair and Teacher Jaleel Brown. “The Tuskegee Airmen have a remarkable service record and received numerous medals for their service despite challenges stemming from discrimination. Their story can inspire students who feel excluded or that they don’t have the best resources to believe they can achieve their dreams despite their circumstances.”

Master Sergeant William O. Smith, Captain Brian Settles, and Private Gregory Grant regaled students with tales about the incredible history of the Tuskegee Airmen, who inspired and paved the way for their own military service.

The veterans are members of the Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Inc. and serve as “torchbearers” dedicated to promoting the Tuskegee Airmen's remarkable story. This elite group of aviators trained at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama from 1941-1946 and defied racial barriers, valiantly and triumphantly serving with distinction during World War II.

The torchbearers showed brief videos highlighting the Tuskegee Airmen’s heroic feats and shared their own experience as members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The highly decorated Master Sergeant Smith is the second vice president of the Atlanta Chapter, and his storied military career included tours in Korea and Vietnam before retiring from the Army in 1977.

Master Sergeant Smith proudly displayed a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, institutions, or groups. President George W. Bush presented the Congressional Gold Medal to approximately 300 Tuskegee Airmen in March 2007.

 

 

"I joined the Armed Forces when I was 17,” Master Sergeant Smith said. “Many were recruited as young as 15. I didn’t intend to be in the army, but we had no choice. Still, it was a great honor to fight for my country. It is important for me to be here, to educate your generation and share the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. You have to learn from and prevent the mistakes of the past and understand the advantages you have today are due in part to their effort, and you should never take those privileges for granted."

Captain Settles, a Vietnam combat pilot, flew almost 200 combat missions, drawing on an extraordinary 25-year experience with the Air Force to build a successful career as an airline pilot, that spanned more than 40 years.

 

 

"I never thought about flying an airplane or being in the military,” Captain Settles said. “My dream was to become a basketball player. However, my dreams were shattered partly because of an injury, and I found myself pursuing an aviation career. I was a pilot before I realized I wanted to be one, but I was thankful that I worked hard in school so that even though I lost my athletic dream, I was able to become a successful pilot. You can’t let disappointments prevent you from being the best you can be. Intellect and adaptability are critical because life rarely follows the path one expects. I am here because I stand on the shoulders of the Tuskegee Airmen who never gave up."

Unlike Sergeant Smith and Captain Settles, Private Grant, who serves as the Chapter’s financial secretary, dreamt of an aviation career. Grant sported a replica bomber jacket in paying homage to the revered Airmen whom he called “the greatest generation."

 

 

"I was inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen,” Private Grant said. “I attended a Veterans Day program and sat next to a distinguished-looking gentleman who turned out to be an original Tuskegee Airman. He impressed me so much that I jumped at the opportunity to work with them and later joined the Atlanta Chapter. That was more than 20 years ago, and I’m glad I did and that I can share their stories and legacy. If they could succeed with circumstances they faced, you have no reason to doubt your potential.”

 

 

The veterans didn’t merely share stories; they imparted valuable life lessons. Perseverance in the face of challenges was a common theme, which they reinforced during the question-and-answer segment that followed their presentation.

"It was an honor for me to meet these men and learn about their experience and what the Tuskegee Airmen lived through,” said seventh-grader Brianna McKinney. “To meet the people we read about in books was inspirational and impactful for all of us."

"We learned about Tuskegee Airmen in class,” said eighth-grader King Joshua Tevon Clark. “But when I heard they were coming, I did even more research. The way they were treated wasn’t fair, but they proved themselves with what they accomplished. They gave our community hope. They reminded me not to give up on my dreams, that it’s always important to keep going, and not let anything or anyone discourage me."

The veterans were scheduled to meet students over a two-hour period. However, what might have seemed like potentially too much time to hold the attention of middle schoolers proved not nearly enough. The gentlemen spent almost four hours sharing stories, taking photographs, and signing autographs. There was no doubt that the veterans’ visit resonated with the students.

 

 

"It was such a wonderful opportunity to have these remarkable gentlemen with us here today,” said HMS Principal Dr. Lydia Williams. “The students have been looking forward to their visit. Being able to experience this intimate lesson in history that supplements what they learn in the classroom will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression."

"Our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access,” added Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “This visit by these remarkable veterans brought history to life and supports our vision to provide every student with a high-quality, world-class education. These men lived what we teach, and that connection for these students is invaluable. We thank them and the Hampton Middle School staff for inspiring our students to think bigger, dream bolder, and believe in their own resilience."

The Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, community service, and preserving and celebrating the traditions and legacy of the first generation of World War II’s trailblazing African American military aviators.

Of the approximately 1,000 original Tuskegee Airmen, it is believed that only one or two are still alive today.