Joseph Caylor… One of the great stories of perseverance in the face of segregation during World War 2 was the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. Their National Historic Site is located in central Alabama, and I've been lucky enough to visit here more than once.
At their primary training facility at Moton Field, you can now visit (for free!) where these men and women trained. It wasn't just the pilots that were considered Tuskegee Airmen. Cooks, electrical engineers, and everyone who supported the pilots all played a role, all of which can be seen when you visit the site.
No matter what race, creed, or beliefs you have, their story is powerful and inspiring, and since it's located right off Interstate 85, it also makes for a great stop to learn about our nation's history if you are in the area!
James Romeo… Until I learned more about the Tuskegee Airmen, I didn't realize the scope of racial segregation in the United States armed services that American men of African descent had faced while bravely serving their country in World War 2. Before the military was desegregated in 1948, the Tuskegee Airmen would prove the obvious fact, that a man's skin color has nothing to do with his ability to fly an airplane, or serve his country. Their bravery and dedication earned respect, educated ignorant minds and brought about important change.