A few of the less than 200 Tuskegee Airmen who are reported to still be alive were at West Chester University recently to celebrate the debut of a book that contains their personal war-time and post-war stories.
Those original members signed copies of Tuskegee in Philadelphia: Rising to the Challenge, newly released from The History Press, after a discussion in Philips Autograph Library.
The veterans talked about their service and their civilian lives and their encounters with racism while they served their country and when they returned home.
They brought artifacts and memorabilia to display and were accompanied by their families and other chapter members.
Author Robert Kodosky, professor and chair of WCU’s history department, is donating all proceeds from sales of the book to the scholarship fund for the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen.
Six of Kodosky’s students also contributed to the book as co-authors and interviewers: Brandon Langston, Steve Zaharick, Jeff Markland, Matt Rothfuss, Mike Kowalski, and Mike Weiss.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, Kodosky will be joined by some of the members of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen from 2-4 PM at the American Helicopter Museum in a program with Brian Lockman, host of PCN’s PA Books.
Admission is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Contact the museum at 610-436-9600 for tickets and additional information.
