WILL PRESENT CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDALS TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ATTEND EVENT IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Washington, May 15, 2007 - "Although our nation was segregated during World War II, nearly 1,000 black Americans stepped forward to serve in a special Army Air Corps program to train as pilots," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "The training took place in Tuskegee, Alabama, and they became the famed Tuskegee Airmen, who went on to establish an astounding record in combat.  In March, some 300 Tuskegee Airmen and their families attended an event in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., receiving the Congressional Gold Medal.  However, not all of the Tuskegee Airmen attended this event and I would like to ensure that they receive the honors they earned."

Stearns will hold an event this summer honoring the Tuskegee Airmen living in the Sixth Congressional District, and he will present the Congressional Gold Medal to those who did not attend the event in Washington, D.C.  Added Stearns, "I am working with veterans groups to identify these men living in the Sixth District, and I invite anyone who knows about a Tuskegee Airman to contact my office so that they can be invited to this event."  If you can help track down a Tuskegee Airman, please contact John Konkus with Stearns' Ocala office by June 22, 2007, at 352-351-8777, or toll free at 800-888-7743.