News United States Air Force
 Brown named honorary Tuskegee Airman, receives symbolic red jacketPublished Aug. 18, 2021
                        
                        By Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Serrano
                        
                        
                        Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
                **ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --**
                Air Force Chief of Staff**Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.** was named an honorary **Tuskegee Airman** and presented the highly symbolic red jacket during a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Aug. 14.
Induction into the elite group of **Tuskegee Airmen Inc.** as an honorary member is a direct reflection of an individual’s dedication to preserving the heritage and legacy of the “Red Tails” as well as introducing youth to aviation and science, technology, engineering and math opportunities.
“Gen. Brown, just like the Tuskegee Airmen, you have been a trailblazer,” said Jerry Burton, Tuskegee Airmen Inc. national president. “You, like them, have shown that hard work and staying on task results in success.”

Brown named honorary Tuskegee AirmanAir Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., accompanied by his wife, Sharene, salutes a group of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. members during a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial, Arlington, Va., Aug. 14, 2021. Brown was presented a symbolic red jacket, making him an honorary Tuskegee Airman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)
            
            
            Photo Details /
                Download Hi-Res
    
    Brown named honorary Tuskegee AirmanAir Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. delivers remarks during a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial, Arlington, Va., Aug. 14, 2021. Brown was presented a symbolic red jacket, making him an honorary Tuskegee Airman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)
            
            
            Photo Details /
                Download Hi-Res
    
    Brown named honorary Tuskegee AirmanAir Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., center, poses with guests during a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial, Arlington, Va., Aug. 14, 2021. Brown was presented a symbolic red jacket, making him an honorary Tuskegee Airman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)
            
            
            Photo Details /
                Download Hi-Res


Formed during the onset of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen pioneered the way for desegregation in the military while simultaneously dominating the skies in Europe. Their accomplishments and famous Red Tails have been celebrated throughout history.
“I am grateful, humbled and proud, not only to receive the coveted red jacket, but to also have one of the documented original Tuskegee Airmen, **Col. Carl Johnson**, here with me today,” Brown said.
Just as they did more than 80 years ago, despite public scrutiny, the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. continues to set the standard for courage, leadership and innovation of today’s Air Force.
“I am forever grateful for African American aviators that paved the way for me to be here,” Brown said. “I also realized as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force I probably was not the first one to be qualified to have this position; I was just the first one to be given the opportunity.”
The heritage of the Tuskegee Airmen remains a symbol of hope against the challenges the nation faces today.

"I am forever grateful for African American aviators that paved the way for me to be here."Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.

Brown says he hopes to inspire young men and women the same way he was inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen.

“As the first Chief of Staff of the Air Force, or Service Chief, that’s African American, I’m very conscious of the enormity of what this opportunity is for me but what it represents for so many,” Brown said. “I hope that me being the Chief of Staff of the Air Force will be an inspiration to others so they can prepare themselves for that ‘someday’ when their chance may come.”AFWN 



USAF 



AF 



Air Force 



Tuskegee Airman 



Tuskegee Airmen Inc. 



red jacket 



Gen. CQ Brown Jr. 



CSAF 



Trailblazers 



induction 



Air Force Memorial 



history 



legacy 



dedication 



honor