USO Supporter,

Black service members have been overcoming unimaginable barriers to serve since the very first battle of the American Revolution. This Juneteenth, we’re honored to highlight the stories of some of the incredible individuals who went above and beyond in service of our nation.

Even before our country was founded, and long before slavery was abolished, enslaved soldier Peter Salem fought in the American Revolution with the minutemen — a small, handpicked, elite force in the colonial militia. Though he proudly served in the first battle of the war at Lexington and Concord, he had to later fight for his freedom to earn the right to continue serving after enslaved people were barred from the militia.

After growing up during segregation, Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. became a pilot and instructor for the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II — the first Black pilots of the U.S. Air Corps. He went on to fly combat missions during the Korean War and the Vietnam War as a fighter pilot.

As a highly decorated hero in three wars, James received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Meritorious Service Medal and 14 Air Medals. After returning from Vietnam, he served as commander in chief of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) and became the first Black four-star general in the history of our Armed Forces.

In 2021, after more than 40 years of service in the Army, retired Gen. Lloyd Austin was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the first African American secretary of defense of the United States. Today, Black service members continue to protect and defend our country in every branch and at every level, making up about 20% of our active-duty military. Sgt. Michael Wolkeba is one of them, and last year, he was named USO Soldier of the Year for his bravery and actions in a moment of crisis.

While driving home one day, Michael encountered a collision between a motor home and a commercial vehicle. The commercial vehicle had pierced the motor home, trapping an injured elderly couple inside. With no regard for his own safety, Michael climbed through a shattered window and low crawled through the debris and shattered glass to reach the injured woman, who was suffering from a massive leg injury and having trouble breathing. As a trained Army Combat Medic, Michael provided critical emergency medical treatment, ultimately saving the woman’s life.

This Juneteenth, we’re proud to honor and celebrate the Black military heroes throughout our history and actively serving today. Today and always, thank you for standing with us as we support the people serving in America’s military.

—The USO