Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Willie Rogers.
Willie was drafted into the Army in 1942 and was part of the 100th Air Engineer Squad. He served with the Red Tail Angels. During a mission in Italy, he was wounded by a shot in the stomach and leg by German soldiers.
In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. However, he and his family were not there to receive it. He did not reveal his role in World War II to his family until 2012 because he was on the ground in logistics, not in the sky “where the heroics took place.”
Willie, the oldest surviving member of the original Tuskegee Airmen, has died at the age of 101.
We honor his service.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.
Photos in graphic by GettyImages, TampaBay.com, and CBS.
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Mr. Rogers, a grateful nation thanks you for your service. Although you was not a part of the heroics in the sky, your commitment to the men of the Tuskegee Airman in regards to logistics on the ground was just as important. Rest In Peace.
Thank you, Mr.Rogers for your service. Yes,you are a hero!!! Rest In Peace.