The real "Red Tails" Story

Last weekend I went to the Fantasy of Flight attraction to interview the Tuskegee Airmen and here's my story! (from The Florida Courier)

Three Tuskegee Airmen tell of their successes, challenges in military during World War II

BY NAOMI PRIOLEAU
SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA COURIER



A former navigator, bombardier and pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, Daniel Keel said he was no different from others who wanted to protect their country. Keel, who lives in Leesburg, was one of the three Tuskegee Airmen who spoke to a crowd of children, students, veterans and parents on Feb. 11 in Polk City about their lives and time in the military.

From left to right are Tuskegee Airmen Daniel Keel, George Hardy and Leo Gray. The program was moderated by Deric Feacher, right. (NAOMI PRIOLEAU/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER)

Retired Lt. Colonels George Hardy of Sarasota and Leo Gray of Fort Lauderdale along with Keel spent three days at Fantasy of Flight, an aviation-themed exhibit in Central Florida – sharing their stories, answering questions and meeting fans. Gray, 91, Keel, 89, and 88-year-old Hardy overcame extreme odds with courage, dignity and honor.
The Tuskegee Airmen, who have received praise for their service during World War II, consisted of four fighter squadrons, the 99th, the 100th, the 301st and the 302nd. The first all-Black group to serve as military aviators, they surpassed expectations for them to fail and in the end brought home record numbers in the air and on the ground.

Integration brought new struggles
They destroyed more than 100 German aircraft in the air and 150 on the ground as well as 950 railcars, trucks and other vehicles. With more than 850 medals, they’ve made a place in history and have a permanent multimedia exhibit at the Fantasy of Flight that includes facts and a vintage aircraft collection for the public to enjoy.
Hardy, Gray and Keel traveled extensively throughout their career abroad and domestic to receive proper training before heading into combat. Hardy was sent to Guam just before integration took place in the United States. When he returned home, he was welcomed to a new set of difficulties: integration.
"I was in the service when integration took place in July 1949," said Hardy. "After I came back to the States, there was a period of racial integration and those were tough times."

Still had to ride in back of bus
Keel told stories of discrimination at the hands of a White lieutenant colonel whom he described as "having it out for him." Upon his arrival to a Texas Army base for additional bombardier training, Keel said the lieutenant colonel let them know what they were allowed and weren’t allowed to do.
"One, we could not eat in the officers’ mess, two we could not go in the officers’ club, three, if we go to the base theater we couldn’t sit in the officers’ section and four, if we go to town, we had to ride in the back of the bus," said Keel. "I knew I was in trouble as soon as he said that."
Keel said the lieutenant colonel tried to have him court-martialed but didn’t succeed. He then tried to hold him back from graduating. Of 27 students, Keel and two others were the only ones who graduated. However, Keel looks at experiences like those in a positive light. He said if it hadn’t been for racial segregation, he wouldn’t have the triple ranking he has today – it pushed him to achieve more.

Muammar Gaddafi is dead

courtesy of topnews.in

According to news reports, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi has died of wounds inflicted by NATO forces in his hometown of Sirte, Libya. He was 69.

The long reign of terror from Gaddafi has finally come to an end and now Libya is looking to the future.

Gaddafi's reign lasted for 41 years, making him the longest-running Arab leader as well as the longest-running non-royal leader.

He came to power in 1969 after seizing  power in a military coup. He abolished the Libyan constitution and imposed social laws based on his ideologies.

In February 2011, Libyan people began to protest the Gaddafi government, to which Gaddafi responded by killing men women and children.

Gadaffi was referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by the UN for crimes against humanity and in June of 2011, the ICC issued warrants for his and his family's arrest. NATO forces took control of Tripoli and threw Gaddafi out of power.

Gaddafi fled to his hometown of Sirte where rebel forces protected him until early this morning.

He was captured trying to flee in a convoy which NATO warplanes attacked. According to National Transitional Council official Abdel Majid Mlegta, Gadaffi was shot in both legs and shot in the head.

A soldier who claimed he personally captured Gaddafi said his last words were, "Don't shoot! Don't shoot!" upon being discovered in a hole in District 2 in Sirte.

*Sources include Reuters 

Newest Target For Thieves: Hair Stores

Anyone who knows me knows that I love my hair.

I'm actually really simple when it comes to my hair but I admire women who are adventurous when it comes to theirs. It's amazing to me how one week a woman can have a short bob and the next long wavy tresses down to her back.

Hair is a wonderful thing and I understand people love it, but  this new trend with robbing hair stores is quite the mess.

There have been a string of hair store robberies in the metro Atlanta in the past few weeks. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution thieves go straight to the most expensive type of hair (Indi Remi) and quickly run out the store.

courtesy of ajc.com

The valued cost of the hair stolen? Nearly $50,000.


This isn't just a "one-time" occurrence. This past June a thief in southwest Atlanta stole $30,000 worth of hair extensions.


It's not just in Atlanta either, California, Texas and Michigan have all suffered hair store robberies within recent months with the most expensive robbery valued at $150,000.


According to police, once the hair is stolen, it is usually sold on the streets or on Ebay.


Now, I know times are tough, but hair stores? So now I have to worry about being caught in the midst of a robbery when all I wanted was some hair grease?


For those of you who might not understand the depth of how serious this is (especially in the Black community) watch Good Hair by Chris Rock. That will teach you everything you need to know about this intricate business.