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Shaw, Sumter honor Tuskegee Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Team Shaw and the city of Sumter, South Carolina hosted a road naming ceremony on Shaw AFB near the Sumter Gate, July 14.

The road off of Highway 378 onto base has named Ashely-Bowman Boulevard in honor of Sumter natives Lt. Col. Willie Ashley and 1st Lt. Leroy Bowman, both Tuskegee Airmen who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

“This is an honor beyond imagination,” said George Bowman, son of Leroy Bowman. “I couldn’t be happier to be here and to honor my father. I wish he was here, but I know he’s looking down on us from heaven. I’m happy that he’s being recognized for his service to his country.”

Even though the military was still racially segregated during World War II, a select group of African Americans were given the opportunity to fly, becoming the first black military aviators in the United States Armed Forces.

“I hope that when people see the sign they stop to see the memorial,” said Bowman. “I hope that they read the story of his life and the service that he and all the other Tuskegee Airmen gave during World War II.”

Approximately 50 people attended to honor Ashley, Bowman, and all of the other Tuskegee Airmen that dedicated parts of their lives in defense of the United States.

During the event Thomas McElveen, Sumter mayor, and Col. Stephen Jost, 20th Fighter Wing commander, reflected on the tow men’s service, sacrifices, and issues they dealt with and how their service directly impacts the mission today.

“When I sent the 55th Fighter Squadron to deploy last year I was sending them to do the same mission that the Tuskegee Airmen had to endure back in World War II,” said Jost. “Bowman and Ashley had to go through a lot in defense of their country and I think honoring them with a road naming is the least we can do.”

The event concluded with the presentation of posters and signs to the Bowman family and the reveal of the Ashley-Bowman Boulevard road sign.