Willie Rogers, the oldest surviving member of the original Tuskegee Airmen, died last week at the age of 101.
Rogers walked from his apartment to the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church every Sunday, up until three weeks before his death.
"He was a super loving man who cared deeply about his community and his family," says Roger’s pastor, Kenneth Irby. "Humble at the highest level."
Rogers was drafted into the army in 1942. He was part of the 100th Air Engineer Squad. Rogers also served with the Red Tail Angels. He was wounded in action—shot in the stomach and leg by German soldiers—during a mission in Italy in January 1943.
But Rogers didn't like to fuss about his bravery.
In fact, when the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007, Rogers wasn’t there; neither were his children. They weren't even aware their father was part of the first African-American military aviation squadron.
He didn’t reveal that portion of the story until 2012. Part of the reason for the silence, he said, was because he worked on the ground in logistics and administration—not in the sky where the heroics took place.
Irby says, "He was glad to be alive and to have been given another opportunity to serve."
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” –James 3:13
