NOMINEE - JAMES RANDALL

Image courtesy of The Pikes Peak Library District African Americans In Colorado Springs Collection | MSS 0412

Image courtesy of The Pikes Peak Library District

African Americans In Colorado Springs Collection | MSS 0412

Veteran | 36 years in the u.s. Air force

Tuskegee Airmen : Colonel James Randall

Fighter Pilot

Colonel James Randall was a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, serving 36 years in the U.S. Air Force in both active duty and in the Reserves. His career as a fighter pilot includes logging more than 7,300 flying hours in numerous aircraft, including the F-105 Thunderchief.

Randall joined the Army Air Corps in 1945 and, after completing basic training, was assigned to Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama. He was commissioned as an officer in 1950, then assigned to Perrin Air Force Base, Texas, as a flight instructor. He later moved to Craig AFB, Ala., to be an F-51 instructor. Assigned to the 12th Fighter Bomb Squadron, Randall flew a total of 75 F-51 combat missions in the Korean War. Later, during the Vietnam conflict, he added 44 additional combat missions to his total before being shot down over Vietnam. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal and Purple Heart. Randall is a longtime member of the Tuskegee Airmen National Organization headquartered in Tuskegee, Ala. He currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colo.

veteran | 23 years in the u.s. Air force

James Stewart

Founder of the Colorado Springs, Black Chamber of Commerce

Why did you join the Military?

The desire to fly. Fast and single seat was my only desire.

What do you appreciate about the Military?

Although the military led in achieving integration in America, there is still much work to be done. The military exposed millions to a world outside of their hometown bubble.

Absolutely. I have briefed and interacted with world leaders, defended the nation against military threats (Vietnam), and designed advanced weapon systems (space based radar, F-15, F-16 fighters).

What is your perspective of patriotism?

The American flag I fly from my 30 foot flagpole tells all who see it about my respect for the nation I spent my military life defending. The nation is not perfect but it is deserving of our efforts to make it a perfect union.

The desire to fly fast and single seat was my only desire.

-James Stewart

How was your transition into civilian life?

I started two major businesses and led several nonprofits in civilian life. My Board of Directors work with Ent Credit Union to create the most impact on the Colorado Springs community.

What are things that people should consider before they decide to serve their country?

Everyone should make the commitment to serve their country early in life. This could be at the local, national, or international level. Your gift of giving keeps returning value to your life and those you love.

Read Full Interview at

myblackcolorado.com/military

Veteran | 30 years in the u.s. Air Force

Mercedes Moore

Why did you join the Military?

I think the biggest reason for me to join the military was one, when I was in 10th Grade a recruiter came to my high school and I talked to a guy Harden Garrison and he was very sharp. It looked like his uniform was painted on him and I was just so impressed. And then when he talked to us about education and travel and seeing the world, I mean he brought me for a nickel, and I was sold. But of course, needed parents’ permission. So, when I got out of high school, the first thing I did was go look for the Air Force recruiter.

How has the milirary helped you grow?

My growth is amazingly simple, the Air Force matured me. They took a 17-year-old girl, who was the baby of the family with two older brothers who spoiled me so bad and made me a woman then they made me responsible and then they taught me how to defend my country the right way. So, they are when you come in the military. You just do not come in one day and the next day you are you know, super Sergeant or superwoman. The military is a time builder, they build on the individual and then the team. This is part of the organization of the military service.

What is your perspective on patriotism?

Patriotism has taken many twists and turns since the day I was born. Patriotism to me is to Stand by Your Country. To stand by your people no matter what color they are, red, black, orange, green, regardless. When it comes down to this, we are one nation. We should all be fighting for the same cause. All the nitpicky things that we fight over for a cause, we need to remember the big picture is that we are all Americans we are all fighting for the same thing. We all bleed red blood. We are all siblings regardless. And that is how our forebears broke it down for us.

Read Full Interview at

myblackcolorado.com/military

veteran | 31 years in the u.s. army

I didn’t look at individuals by the color of their skin. I saw us all as being military brothers and sisters.

-Terrance McWilliams

Terrance McWilliams

A retired Command Sergeant Major, who was in charge of Fort Carson with 24,000 soldiers underneath him.

As a black man who served in the military, what is your perspective of patriotism?

I would say my perspective of patriotism is doing what’s right. What I mean by that it is not blaming the system for your shortcomings. Being patriotic demonstrates that you are a true professional and highly capable of doing anything you put your mind to. For the most part, many people always ask, “Why do you want to serve a country that doesn’t serve you?” That’s been the nature of the black family, especially in the South, not to serve the government because the government doesn’t care about you. I didn’t pay much attention to that; I was more focused on finding myself and trying to break down the stereotype that a black man isn’t worthy. When I went to the Army, it was during a dark period right after the Vietnam War and racism was rampant in the military. I still remember when I was in Germany in the early 1980s and there were cross burnings in the front of the barracks, guys running through with white sheets on like they were the KKK. It was the polarization, where all different races stuck together and didn’t associate with the whites. But we got through all of that.

How did you work through experiencing racism to achieve a high, respected rank?

It was a long process, but the key thing I think about how that happened was I didn’t look at individuals by the color of their skin. I saw us all as being military brothers and sisters.

Read Full Interview at

myblackcolorado.com/military

Kelvin Dumas

Pastor at King Solomon Baptist church

What do you do in the service?

Currently I am the Reserve Advisor to the Space Operations Command Director of Space and Cyber Operations. My current job supports the new service, US Space Force. Previous to that, I serve in numerous positions from nuclear operations to space operations. I have commanded at every level I have been eligible to command.

What is your perspective of patriotism?

America is by no means perfect country, but I do believe her values are. Having patriotism are the ideas found in our constitution. My patriotism is defending the constitution which gives people the freedom to protest, the freedom to vote, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and more. For me, having the American flag fly outside my house or as a decal on my vehicle doesn’t make me a patriot. Reciting the pledge of allegiance or standing for the national anthem doesn’t make anyone patriotic if they don’t believe in and protect the values of all men being created equal. To me, exercising your constitutional rights makes you a patriot. To me, patriotism is making sure all citizens of our country enjoy the freedoms provided under the constitution of our country. Patriotism is not being divisive, but understanding that our common bonds are greater than any political ideology.

What are things that people should consider before they decide to serve their country?

The military isn’t for everyone. Although we have an all volunteer force, I believe it is a calling to serve one’s country. People should consider what are they willing to die and sacrifice for. For me, my thought was if I don’t serve to protect those I love, who will?

Read Full Interview at

myblackcolorado.com/military

Active | 21 years in the u.s. Air force

“If I don’t serve to protect those I love, who will? ”