The Community Times Dispatch

The Hiram E. Mann Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated welcomed USAF retired four star General Lloyd W. Fig Newton as the keynote speaker for the organization’s 10th Annual Ball/Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

Poised with grace and distinguished by his stately persona, General Newton acknowledged the Hiram E. Mann Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated as key site. He praised the local chapter for working so closely with the school system.

General Newton is a native of Ridgeland, South Carolina with a distinguished military and professional career. He is a retired Executive Vice President, Pratt and Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut. He is also retired four-star General who successfully completed a 34 ½ year career with the United States Air Force. General Newton served as Commander, Air Education and Training Command before retiring in 2000. He was also the first African American pilot in the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and is a pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours in the T-37, T-38, F-4, F-15, F-16, C-12 and F-177 stealth fighter.

“The General was great,” said Chapter President Johnnie Thompson. “The banquet was one of the best we ever had…it was beautiful…a fantastic affair.”

The CCHS Chorus sang beautifully and a challenge was offered for members of the organization to fund the group’s trip to New York City, New York in March.

Colleton County School Superintendent Leila Williams helped connect the chapter’s theme, “Giving History a Future.” She told listeners that as a graduate of Walterboro High School it was evident that Colleton County has a lot of rich history that may not have been the focus of student learning.

According to Thompson, a section of the current high school is situated on the actual ground where the Tuskegee Airmen had their barracks in 1944. Tuskegee Airmen received their combat training in Walterboro just prior to leaving for war.

“I think it is so appropriate to have the school board accept “Tuskegee Middle School” as the name of the future middle school building that will be on the site. I am hopeful that they will include renaming Cougar Drive to Tuskegee Boulevard.”

Thompson said he has already began the process for getting a historical marker at the school site. He said one challenge to getting the marker is that the agency lacks the $1700 needed. However, Thompson has had talks with Colleton Delegation Chairman SC Representative Kenneth Hodges about the community helping to raise the necessary funds.

Several special guests were in attendance at the banquet. Special presentations were presented to General Newton, CCHS Choral Director Stephanie Drawdy, and Alta Mae Marvin. SC Representative Bill Bowers, representing the SC General Assembly, presented Johnny Thompson with a Resolution for demonstrating leadership and how he makes things happen.