U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Legacy of Tuskegee Airman Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart Jr.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today spoke on the floor to commemorate the loss and honor the enduring legacy of one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart, Jr. Earlier this month, Lt. Col. Stewart passed away at the age of 100.
Senator Britt shared the remarkable story of Lt. Col. Stewart’s journey as a Tuskegee Airman: “He grew up watching planes come in and out of LaGuardia Airport, dreaming of one day flying himself. At just 18 years old, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart joined a new initiative launched in Alabama, a first-of-its-kind training program for black pilots established after the bombing of Pearl Harbor . . . he flew 43 missions from late 1944 to the spring of 1945 with the 332nd Fighter Group, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross after downing three German planes in a dogfight just before the Allied victory in Europe . . .”
She also emphasized the bravery of the Tuskegee Airmen and the significance of their dedication to serving our nation: “[He] didn’t recognize the gravity of what he was doing at the time . . . he just wanted to serve his country, and serve his country he did . . .the Tuskegee Airman signed up to fight for a country that did not allow them the same rights as white citizens . . . they faced almost inconceivable injustices, but they also believed in the promise of America, even though that promise wasn’t being met. They fought for that promise against the Nazis in Europe, and in doing so blazed a trail for countless others to follow . . . ”
“The legacies of Harry Stewart Jr. and the rest of the pilots who made history should be recognized as central to America’s story,” Senator Britt continued. “In his first term, President Trump promoted Airman Charles McGee to Brigadier General and pinned his stars in the Oval Office. In his second term, Secretary Hegseth has reaffirmed the Trump Administration will continue to honor these heroes, and the Tuskegee Airmen will remain role models not only for the next generation of American servicemembers but for all Americans . . .”
She concluded by restating her appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen: “Their courage and selflessness in the face of adversity both at home and at war are inspirational, and their legacies – those of greatness and unquestionable merit – deserve to be celebrated amongst the rest of our country’s heroes. Not just during Black History Month, but all throughout the year.”
Senator Britt has championed efforts to strengthen Tuskegee University’s aviation education. Last year following Senator Britt’s efforts to secure $6.7 million in funding, Tuskegee announced its plans to launch a new flight school degree program.
Senator Britt praised this investment after a visit to the university saying, “From the Tuskegee Airmen to Tuskegee University’s new, 21st-century flight school degree program, Tuskegee has cemented itself as the past, present, and future of aviation excellence and innovation. Tuskegee’s degree program will empower generations of students to reach new heights while showing the world the cutting-edge ingenuity and exemplary capability of our state.”
“Tuskegee University is grateful for Sen. Britt’s ongoing support for our aviation program,” Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO, stated in August of 2024. “As North America faces a pilot shortage of about 130,000 in the next 20 years, our new degree program will prepare aviators to serve their country through the U.S. Air Force or the commercial aviation industry, which is in need of rebuilding pilot programs to meet the demand.”
Senator Britt’s full remarks are available here.
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