Sterling employees celebrate Black History Month

Rockwell Collins Image
History comes to life — Members of the original Tuskegee Airmen visited Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions in Sterling, Va., as part of the facility's Black History Month celebration. Pictured with Jerry Burton (far left) and Joanna Jeter, both of Rockwell Collins, are: (from left) Walter McCreary, Bill Broadwater, and Woodrow Crockett.

The Tuskegee Airmen hold a special place within U.S. military history. Despite facing racism - even from their fellow soldiers - this group of African American soldiers and support personnel proudly served their country during World War II.

Intent on keeping the legacy of the original Tuskegee Airmen alive, Rockwell Collins Senior Simulation Test Specialist Jerry Burton worked with our Human Resources department in Sterling, Va., to invite the airmen to help celebrate Black History Month.

A member of the East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Burton led a presentation in which he explained the challenges these airmen faced, and the effect they had on those around them.

A handful of original Tuskegee Airmen, including Walter McCreary, Woodrow Crockett, and Bill Broadwater, also were on hand to talk about their personal experiences. McCreary and Crockett were P-51 pilots assigned to the 100th Fighter Squadron, and Broadwater was a B-25 pilot assigned to the 477th Bomb Group.

"It was an awesome event," said Human Resources Manager Joanna Jeter. "What a privilege it was to have these important people in our presence."

Following the presentation to more than 70 employees, the Tuskegee Airmen mingled with those in attendance. They also enjoyed a potluck meal, and were able to ride in one of our B1 flight simulators.