The Roanoke Tribune, 68
Black Leadership Profiled and Continued...
Below are photos of men that I had direct or indirect contact in my growing up in Mobile.
Booker T. Washington, whom my grandmother met as a child, creating a sense of admiration within me.
The Tuskegee Airmen...the Original 99th led by Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.(a West Point graduate who endured four years of the "silent treatment") featuring Captain Leon Roberts, in this photo, whom I was exposed to by our former Boy Scout leader, at the Boy Scout camp we went to during the summer in Citronelle, AL...named for Captain Roberts.
Captain Leon C. Roberts...lost his life in a plane crash, was part of the team that knocked out the rail system carrying heavy water for Hitler's nuclear program...thus the moniker, "Derailer."
William Gordon, Jr...another Tuskegee Airman, who after the war became a close friend and business associate to my grandfather.
J. Gary Cooper, Major General, USMC, Retired...a class speaker to my ninth grade class and eventually became an invaluable mentor in the world of business...probably unbeknownst to him.
The American military turning mountains into mole hills toward a brighter future.
Marine Lt. General Willie Williams...I haven't had the pleasure of meeting this gentleman, but know that he's coming to Mobile to speak to the young people and their families at the YMCA for their annual fundraiser. But just seeing his position and role in his military career is an example of an impression that such leaders can have in the minds of young Americans. I'm a Navy veteran, but believe that the General will grant me permission to say "Semper Fi."
A Salute to Wlliam Fleming and their Air Force Jr. ROTC
William Fleming is the brand new, ultra modern high school just blocks from where I reside. I can't help but pass by it in my day-to-day activities and observe the students that attend. For the most part they are typical young people as might be seen in any part of America. And, typically they get more public recognition for their sports' curricula with the state's sports championships. You very seldom will see too many academic bowls televised on Friday night TV broadcasts.
Consequently, William Fleming is representative of most high schools and many colleges across America...invaded by the sports' mindset. However, beyond this, is truly an outstanding group of young people I have observed in my passing the school, and these would be the young people dressed in their Air Force Junior ROTC uniforms, where it takes not only a good physical regimen but equally compelling mental acumen to become a member.
As I have complimented the gentlemen in the above article as they may have directly or indirectly intersected in my life, exemplifying discipline, courage, intelligence, and just all round societal leadership, I see those traits in these young men and women ROTC cadets, that must inevitably come by means of their outstanding military instructors.
Therefore, I salute them all.
