[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 28 (Monday, March 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E316-E317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE BAY AREA ORIGINAL TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 8, 2004

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 23 original San 
Francisco Bay Area Tuskegee Airmen. Tomorrow, March 9, 2004, marks the 
celebration of Tuskegee Airmen Day in Oakland. On behalf of the 9th 
Congressional District, I would like to thank them for their tireless 
and devoted service.
  The Tuskegee Airmen are a noble and proud group. Their legacy as the 
first African Americans ever to qualify as fighter pilots is remarkable 
and worthy of preservation. These efforts helped pave the way for 
generations of African-American soldiers, officers, pilots, sailors, 
and Marines. The Tuskegee airmen didn't lose a single bomber they 
escorted during the World War II.
  Further, their story holds many valuable lessons to be shared with 
future generations. The principles of life, liberty, and democracy that 
they fought for and strengthened serve us all today. After liberating 
Europe, they returned to their homes and hearths to pursue the fight 
for equal rights, for which we are in their debt.
  The Bay Area Original Tuskegee Airmen are: Reuben B. Bilbo, Samuel 
Broadnax, Dr. Richard Caesar, William A. Campbell, Le Roy Gillead, 
James C. Goodwin, Arthur C. Harmon, Calvin C. Hobbs, Harold Hoskins, 
George J. Iles, Alvin J. Johnson, Dr. Wendell Lipscomb, Robert A. 
Matthews, Fred L. McLaurin, Adolph J. Moret, Jr., George W. Porter, 
Leon Spears, Morris T. Tatum, James A. Walker, James C. Warren, 
Theodore Wilson, Lester Williams, and Leona F. Woodward.
  Finally, as we honor these brave veterans today, I want to honor 
their contributions as men, fathers, medical doctors, professors, 
artists, engineers, technicians, and researchers. I

[[Page E317]]

take great pride in joining their families and friends to recognize and 
celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions of the Bay Area 
Original Tuskegee Airmen. God bless them all.

                          ____________________