Stand on My Shoulders - Sept. 28, 2022

JENNIFER-RUTH GREEN:

If we don’t stand on our shoulders, who will?

Lieutenant Colonel Lee Archer, the original Tuskegee Airman, challenged me with that question when I was a junior at the Air Force Academy years ago. That question changed the course of my life.

The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II fought and gave their lives for our country and for the cause of freedom.

Even though many didn't think they were qualified or capable to do so. But Lieutenant Colonel Lee Archer and the Tuskegee Airmen were undeterred.

Their sacrifice and bravery inspired a nation and countless future generations.

That single question from Colonel Archer still inspires me today.

It’s one of the reasons I founded an aviation non-profit to transform the lives of young people.

Encouraging them to dream big, do more, and never quit. Because that’s what public service is. Giving back to the community and being a voice for people who feel like politicians have consistently let them down.