[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 3524]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE MEMORY OF TUSKEGEE AIRMAN CAPTAIN LEON ``WOODIE'' SPEARS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Swalwell) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Each February during African American 
History Month, Americans come together to celebrate the important 
contributions of African Americans throughout the Nation. I am proud to 
share the remarkable story of one of my constituents, Hayward resident, 
Captain Leon ``Woodie'' Spears.
  Growing up near an airfield, young Woodie always dreamed of flying. 
After attending college, he was given the opportunity to achieve his 
dreams. Woodie was among the few selected to join other young African 
Americans in Alabama at the Tuskegee Airfield, where he was trained to 
fly. During training, Woodie overcame very tough odds, battling 
prejudice and racism, to earn his wings and the honor of serving with 
the Tuskegee Airmen.
  Following training, then-Lieutenant Spears was sent to Italy at the 
height of World War II, serving with the all-African American 332nd 
Fighter Group.
  Woodie's tensest moment came in March 1945, when his plane was hit by 
antiaircraft fire at 32,000 feet. He was forced to make an emergency 
landing in Germany, only to be taken prisoner later by the German Army. 
Later, Woodie was able to locate Russian forces and found his way back 
to safety.
  Captain Spears and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen proved themselves in 
battle abroad, but upon returning home, they faced another battle--the 
struggle for equality. Denied basic human dignity, they fought back. 
With like-minded citizens, they changed America for the better, and, of 
course, that fight, their struggle, still continues today.
  For their brave service during World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen were 
collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. Captain 
Spears was among those present to receive this prestigious honor.
  After Captain Spears' military career, he dedicated his life to 
public service, toured the country to share his military experiences 
during the time of segregation, and spoke up for equality for all. 
Although Captain Spears is no longer with us, we are reminded of the 
life motto he lived by: Dare to dream.
  Captain Spears is just one of many African Americans with a unique 
story that makes our country what it is today. The story of Captain 
Spears reminds us that the United States has come a long way, but that 
we still have a much longer way to go to truly reach equality for all.
  I will not rest until all Americans have an equal opportunity to 
achieve their dreams.

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