Famu Military - Honorary Lt. Col. George Hardy, the youngest surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen, on Thursday at Lee Hall.
For many, it takes words to move a room full of people, but not for Lt. Col. George Hardy. One of the last survivors is Tuskegee Airmen, an American African fighter pilot. The legend of World War II Hardy is a living legend.
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His presence alone caught everyone's eye and ears in Lee Hall on Thursday morning. At 93, Hardy is the youngest living Tuskegee Airman.
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He took the stage as the keynote speaker for "American Legends: The Tuskegee Airmen" after remarks by FAMU President Larry Robinson and SGA Chief Executive Officer Jabari Knox.
Hardy talks about his experiences with racism in the military, his efforts to become an engineer, and why he enlisted in the military.
"I joined the service in 1943. I graduated from high school in June 1942. I wanted to join the service because my brother joined last year," Hardy said.
He said that during this period, both the army and the army were very divided. He said he was willing to endure such a situation to be with his brother.
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"I wanted to do it because my brother and two of his friends, despite racial issues, joined the Navy," Hardy said. "I want to be with him no matter what."
After the Navy rejected Hardy because of his race, he was about to join the Air Force due to the passage of a new law.
He flew 21 combat missions during World War II and 44 missions in the Korean War.
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Hardy has always had a passion for engineering and aviation. At one point in his career, he gave up advertising and maintenance work instead of continuing to use airplanes.
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"I decided to go for maintenance because even though I did not fly, I would still be on the plane," Hardy said.
At the end of the show, many guests shared their compliments to Hardy. Sandra Thompson can say that it is very special to listen to someone she has studied all her life.
"Perseverance and perseverance mean something, and at 93 we don't have to. He is the youngest surviving driver and we have to stick to what they used to use to balance. Thompson said.
Lakeisha Holligan, FAMU's assistant director of military and veterans, said it was a privilege to have Hardy at the university.
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“I am so grateful to have met the real life definition of resilience. "I just hope I can stand in his shoes because it is definitely not full."
After being privileged to hear six Tuskegee Airmen share their inspirational stories at a group in Washington, DC for the American Veterans Conference, Holligan went on a mission to share his "amazing" experience. He with the remaining FAMU.
"As a Marine veteran, I really planned to kill. I am so grateful for the support and guidance of the University to help turn this vision into reality. ”Holligan Speak. “My hope is that those who attend will walk away inspired. They will regain confidence to pursue what they believe they failed or were told they could not do. Follow your dreams and do not give up. “Mister and Miss Florida A&M University (FAMU) and the Royal Court are the face of the university, while the student Mister and Miss represent their organization. However, the Reserve Army Training Unit (ROTC) at FAMU has never had a gentleman represent its program.
After winning the Miss Army ROTC for 68 years, the ROTC family wants a change. The idea came when Miss Army ROTC 68th, Alyssianna Baca, wondered why ROTC was the only program without a Master to attend the pageant.
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Trying hard to make it come true, Baca's dream came true. In April 2017, ROTC made history when Dakota King, a student of drama and art, was selected as Mr. ROTC's first Army for the 2017-2018 school year.
"I want to make it a more welcoming atmosphere and I want to bring more unity to the ROTC family," King said. "I believe that the most important thing about being a black leader and a soldier is that I must be able to bring someone together to achieve a common goal. Bringing people together is what I want to bring. Go to ROTC ".
King is a transfer student from the University of Eastern Carolina where he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. After being at FAMU for two years, King briefly joined various organizations. These organizations include the Money Transfer Student Association, Little Brother Advisory Program, FAMU Connection Campus Recreation and Veterans Affairs.
Being part of the U.S. Army for three years allowed the king to become a visionary and artisan leader. These are some of the qualities he intends to offer not only as a ROTC but throughout his daily life.
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Cadet Coddrick Griffin expressed his excitement at seeing FAMU's first ROTC Mister Army, especially since he considered the brothers as brothers. Griffin said even his name suggests that King qualifies for the position.
"We are like brothers and classmates, so we see all the effort and dedication he put into the program that most of them do not see. Griffin explains that he has a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge and wisdom. "I know the Lord of Florida University of Agriculture and Mechanics first and foremost. The ROTC Army is nothing but a good fit for the" King. "
Since King was the first ROTC Mister Army, Alelee Figueroa, the 69th Miss Army ROTC, was privileged to become the first Miss Army ROTC along with Mr.
Figueroa, a second-year Chief Justice, said she was excited to be the first Miss Army ROTC to have a chance to win a ROTC Mister Army.
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"Becoming the first Mister Army ROTC with the first Mister Army ROTC is a breath of fresh air. We are a team, we work together. We share the workload, but it means we can do more with him," Figueroa said. .
Figueroa is a FAMU women's street and field team player, captain of the Army Volleyball Team, a member of the Honorary Society, a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and a member of the Caribbean Students' Association. Despite his involvement in these organizations, Figueroa was still able to maintain an average score of 4.0.
With or without a crown, Mr. and Mrs. ROTC represent the character of a soldier. King and Figueroa plan to work together every day to leave a mark on FAMU campus and in life.
"I want to be an example of someone that everyone can talk to. I want people to look at me and say I want to lead as they lead. He is always unselfish in his work for others. "You will not only know that I am your first Army ROTC, but look at the markings I left on Behind ". TALLAHASSEE - The University of Florida A&M is recognized as one of the top colleges in Florida for students interested in the military by The College Database.
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FAMU ranks among the best schools for prospective service members in Florida with annual scholarships and ROTC programs for the Army and Navy. With so many families concerned about college values, it is important for students to find post-secondary options that can be achieved with academic excellence. However, it is also important for students interested in the service to look for a military program while working towards a degree.
"We are honored to be recognized as one of the top universities in Florida for future service members," Col. Joseph Kelly, Commander of the Rattler Battalion. “We aspire to cultivate the high ideals of each cadre and the invaluable desire to achieve in our leadership and society. We are recruiting the most capable athletic leaders to become the future officers of the United States Army, leading the most valuable assets our nation offers: sons and daughters of the United States. "We are proud to be recognized as part of this growth and change."
Each college or university on the list offers at least two ROTC programs for active students, as well as state tuition under $ 20,000 per year.
FAMU works on a number of initiatives to not only explore and develop
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