Richland County Public Information Office Phone: (803) 576-2067 Email: [email protected]
Hundreds Spend an Afternoon with the Red Tails
Members of the Spann Watson Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen make a historic presentation to Richland County during event on Saturday, Feb. 25th
On Saturday, February 25th, more than 650 people filled the Jim Hamilton‐L.B. Owens Airport to give original Tuskegee Airmen, Major Leroy Bowman and James McClain a heroes’ welcome. The event drew people from all over South Carolina; each with the hope of seeing history up close and saluting the local Red Tails.
Bowman and McClain shared stories with the crowd, shook hands and signed autographs for hundreds.
Original Tuskegee Airmen Major Leroy Bowan shakes hands during Richland County “Red Tails” event
Original Tuskegee Airmen James McClain shares his story during Richland County event.
Orginal Tuskegee Airmen Bowman and McClain sign autographs
The day was full of history and celebration; people were also able to get rare look at a World War II B‐25 Bomber. In response to the historic event, Richland County has received numerous emails of appreciation from citizens about the overwhelming support of these American heroes.
Citizens got a rare look at a World War II B‐25 Bomber on display during Richland County Tuskegee Event.
Members of the Columbia Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol SC‐099 show camaraderie during Tuskegee Airmen Event.
One citizen wrote, “My husband and I, along with my grandson would like to thank you for making such an event possible. My grandson had an opportunity to go out of town to do something he had really wanted to do, and he told his mother that he would prefer to go to the Red Tail event because it was a onceinalifetime event.”
Tuskegee Airmen James McClain shakes hands with fan, 5 year old Matthew Muller.
The FREE event was sponsored by Richland County Council, The Spann Watson Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Hiram E. Mann Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Richland County Airport Commission.
**The Tuskegee Airmen were an elite group of African‐American pilots in the 1940s. They were pioneers in equality and integration of the Armed Forces. These service men were subject to racial discrimination, both within and outside the army; despite these adversities, they trained and flew with distinction.