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Michigan Heroes Program Rolls into March
2004 NBA Champs Recognize Tuskegee Airmen for Heroism and Bravery
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. --- The Detroit Pistons will honor six original World Renown Tuskegee Airmen who are also founding members of the National Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated, on Wednesday, March 9, before the game against the Golden State Warriors. The ceremony will be the fourth event of the season for the Pistons Honor Michigan Heroes program.
Detroit residents Major General (ret.) Lucius Theus, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Alexander Jefferson, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Washington Ross, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Henry Steward, Captain (ret.) Richard Macon, and M., Lorenzo Holloway, Jr., who risked their lives as members of the first African-American military combat aviators will be in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the Tuskegee Airmen.
At a time when many thought that black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage, and patriotism, young black men from across the country trained to be single- and twin-engine pilots, navigators, and bombardiers. In July 1942, these young African-American men began training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAAF) in Tuskegee, Alabama. Over 450 of the pilots trained at TAAF served throughout Europe during World War II in either the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later the 99th Fighter Squadron) or the 332nd Fighter Group. The world-renowned Tuskegee Airmen are exceptional military aviators, who distinguished themselves in combat, flying numerous missions in European theaters of war from 1944-1946, without losing a single bomber to enemy attack.
Unfortunately, the battles these airmen fought were not limited to the skies over Europe. Upon returning to the States, these heroes faced intense racism. These highly trained officers of the 99th and 332nd were treated as “trainees” access to the base officers’ club. Over 100 black officers were arrested and ordered to face court martial for trying to enter one such club in Freeman Field, Indiana. Airmen were also segregated and denied opportunities for advancement and promotion due to the U.S. military’s segregation policy.
The Detroit Pistons will honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and recognize the contributions these men made to the Allies efforts in the victory over Europe in World War II.
The Pistons Honor Michigan Heroes program is a new initiative that encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and recognize their accomplishments at a Pistons home game during the 2004-05 season.
To nominate a hero, who can come from any walk of life, fans only need to complete an on-line nomination form by clicking here, or send name(s), address, phone number and name of school or organization to:
“Pistons Honor Michigan Heroes”
The Palace of Auburn Hills
Four Championship Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Only one entry per person per email address per household will be accepted. Please click here for a complete list of rules/regulations and additional information.
For more information on the Pistons Honor Michigan Heroes program or to purchase tickets for any upcoming home game, please contact The Palace at (248) 377-0100 or visit www.pistons.com.
Detroit residents Major General (ret.) Lucius Theus, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Alexander Jefferson, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Washington Ross, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Henry Steward, Captain (ret.) Richard Macon, and M., Lorenzo Holloway, Jr., who risked their lives as members of the first African-American military combat aviators will be in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the Tuskegee Airmen.
At a time when many thought that black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage, and patriotism, young black men from across the country trained to be single- and twin-engine pilots, navigators, and bombardiers. In July 1942, these young African-American men began training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAAF) in Tuskegee, Alabama. Over 450 of the pilots trained at TAAF served throughout Europe during World War II in either the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later the 99th Fighter Squadron) or the 332nd Fighter Group. The world-renowned Tuskegee Airmen are exceptional military aviators, who distinguished themselves in combat, flying numerous missions in European theaters of war from 1944-1946, without losing a single bomber to enemy attack.
Unfortunately, the battles these airmen fought were not limited to the skies over Europe. Upon returning to the States, these heroes faced intense racism. These highly trained officers of the 99th and 332nd were treated as “trainees” access to the base officers’ club. Over 100 black officers were arrested and ordered to face court martial for trying to enter one such club in Freeman Field, Indiana. Airmen were also segregated and denied opportunities for advancement and promotion due to the U.S. military’s segregation policy.
The Detroit Pistons will honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and recognize the contributions these men made to the Allies efforts in the victory over Europe in World War II.
The Pistons Honor Michigan Heroes program is a new initiative that encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and recognize their accomplishments at a Pistons home game during the 2004-05 season.
To nominate a hero, who can come from any walk of life, fans only need to complete an on-line nomination form by clicking here, or send name(s), address, phone number and name of school or organization to:
The Palace of Auburn Hills
Four Championship Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Only one entry per person per email address per household will be accepted. Please click here for a complete list of rules/regulations and additional information.
For more information on the Pistons Honor Michigan Heroes program or to purchase tickets for any upcoming home game, please contact The Palace at (248) 377-0100 or visit www.pistons.com.
