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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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? | 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. | Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III U.S. Air Force (Ret.) For the American Veterans Center | 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
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