Tuskegee Airmen visit Barksdale, honored at Duck Commander Independence Bowl

by Senior Airman Benjamin Gonsier
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/29/2014 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Two Tuskegee Airmen visited with Airmen here and were the guests of honor during the 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., Dec. 27.

During their visit to Barksdale, Homer Hogues and Calvin Spann spoke to aviators and maintainers about Barksdale's mission. At the 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl, the two represented the Tuskegee Airmen in the acceptance of the 2014 Omar N. Bradley "Spirit of Independence Award."

The award is named after the last individual in the United States Armed Forces to hold the five-star rank. It was named after him because he embodied the spirit of independence.

"I take great pride in being one of the pioneers who paved the way for all African-Americans in aviation," said Spann. "We are happy that the Tuskegee Airmen are being recognized for their contributions."

Spann, a Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, served in Italy during World War II, where he was a P-51 Mustang pilot and flew in 26 combat missions.

When Spann was told why the Tuskegee Airmen were receiving the award, he only had a few words to say:

"That's fantastic and I am excited that the Tuskegee Airmen are being recognized in front of all of America," he said.

Alongside Spann was Homer Hogues, an aircraft mechanic during his time with the Tuskegee Airmen, who was ecstatic about the visit and the opportunity to meet with maintainers and aviators of the current generation.

"I felt honored by the reception we received here," said Hogues. "It was great being able to meet with these guys."

The Barksdale maintainers and aviators were honored to meet and brief the living legends on their mission and aircraft.

"I was starstruck by their visit," said Maj. Millard Matthews, 11th Bomb Squadron electronic warfare officer. "I feel immensely honored and privileged to be able to meet them. My father was an aircraft mechanic during the Vietnam War, and he would be thrilled if he was alive today to be able to meet the individuals who paved the way for him and all generations."

During the reception and briefing held by the B-52H Stratofortress aviators and maintainers, Spann and Hogues could not get enough of what the Airmen had to say.

"To have them be interested in our aircraft, ask us questions and be impressed with the answers is truly spectacular," said Matthews. "It was tremendous to be able to witness history and also share with them the B-52 and our heritage."