Fellow American,
I was one of the first "Top Guns"
of the U.S. Air Force.
In 1949, I was on a small pilot
team at the Air Force's first Fighter Gunnery Meet.
Over multiple days, we competed
against other squadrons in dive bombing, skip bombing, rocket firing, panel strafing, and aerial gunnery at 20,000 and 12,000 feet - and we
won.
But the Air Force listed the 1949
competition winner as "Unknown" for 46 years because our team was composed of Tuskegee Airmen ... and they didn't want people to know we were so
good.
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Above: My
friends at the American Veterans Center recorded a special video documentary about my military service in World War II and the Korean
War.
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I'm a
proud 22-year military veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War with the 33rd Fighter Group, better known as the Tuskegee
Airmen.
In addition to being one of the
Air Force's first "Top Guns," I was the first African-American combat pilot to fly in Korea, and I went on to fly more than 125 missions
there.
I'm proud to share my story of
patriotism, service, and hard work with the next generation and to see the Tuskegee Airmen I served with recognized for their skill and bravery -
after so many years of stonewalling and silence.
I truly understand the
importance of recording and sharing veterans' stories so we can honor the men and women who served and inspire young
Americans.
That's why, when my friends at the
American Veterans Center told me they needed to raise more funds to record veterans' stories - from World War II to today's Special Forces - I knew
that I had to take action.
Can I count on you to chip in $25, $50, $75, $100, $250, $500, or more right now to
help support the American Veterans Center's critical work to honor veterans' legacies? As a non-profit organization,
AVC depends on support from patriotic Americans like you.
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Above: I was
honored to join AVC's Annual Conference - alongside my fellow Tuskegee Airmen and in the company of hundreds more veterans, students, and
military cadets - in Washington, D.C. this year.
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As a young man, I stood outside in
my yard and looked up as a formation of P-40 Warhawks flew overhead. In that moment, I knew I wanted to become a pilot.
Today, I hope that my
story of serving America - in World War II, in the Korean War, and as one of the first "Top Guns" in the Air Force - will similarly
inspire the next generation of young people.
Every year, the American Veterans
Center reaches millions of Americans through their video documentaries ... their National Memorial Day Parade ... and their Annual Conference
for veterans, students, and military cadets.
Will you join me in supporting the American Veterans Center - and helping them
reach even more veterans and young people with their powerful programs - and make a gift of $25, $50, $75, $100, $250, $500, or more right
now?
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Friend, your support will help the
American Veterans Center pass on the lessons of veterans like me - lessons of service, sacrifice, patriotism, duty, and courage.
Thank you for helping the American
Veterans Center preserve the stories of American heroes so together we can inspire the next generation.
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Lt. Col. James H. Harvey
III
U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
For the American Veterans
Center
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The mission of the American
Veterans Center and the World War II Veterans Committee is to preserve and promote the legacy and experiences of America's veterans and active duty
service personnel from World War II through today.
A non-profit educational
organization, the AVC and WWIIVC are funded solely through generous contributions from people like you. All contributions are tax-deductible.
© American Veterans Center
1100 N. Glebe
Road Suite 910, Arlington, VA 22201
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