4th FW commander presents first of Leadership Lecture Series: Perseverance through Adversity

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubrey White
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  A leadership lecture for all members of Team Seymour was hosted by U.S. Air Force Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander, here Feb. 22.

The lecture, "Perseverance through Adversity," featured Leonard Hunter, a member of the local Chapter of the Tuskegee Airman Inc., and was the first of many to come in the wing's future.

"In the midst of our constant efforts to ensure mission success, it's important to take time out to think about the bigger picture of who we are as Airmen," Leavitt said. "With this in mind, I have initiated a series of lectures that will give [Airmen] the opportunity to learn from exceptional leaders and warriors."

The hour-long presentation began with Hunter reminiscing about the days he spent serving our nation and speaking about how proud he is to be an American.

"I'm an American, this is my land," Hunter said. "I walk it proud like I'm supposed to and when [America] is in trouble, no matter who you are or what has happened to you, you take care of her."

Hunter went on to tell the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, including untold stories of the struggles of African-American men and women in the military.

"Before they became the Tuskegee Airmen, they wanted to fight for [America]," Hunter said. "They didn't want to fight as a cook or a janitor. These men wanted to fight as fighter pilots, but America at that time, said they were not qualified."

According to Hunter, during the 1940s, various scientists came to the conclusion that African-American men could not fly a sophisticated aircraft because they would black-out at a certain latitude, and because they did not have the coordination to operate aircraft controls.
"We had a very special friend in Washington D.C.," Hunter said. "Her name was Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and she believed in the Tuskegee Airmen."

Hunter recalled the story of when former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Tuskegee Airmen and flew with their chief instructor pilot. Approximately 90 days after her visit, the Airmen were on their way overseas to fight for their country during World War II.

"All of you are freedom fighters like myself," Hunter said. "All of you fight for this country, and I fought for the right for you to believe what you want to believe."

Immediately following the lecture, numerous audience members gathered to thank and take pictures with Hunter.