Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) spoke on the Senate floor to commemorate the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart, Jr., one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 100.
During her remarks, Senator Britt highlighted Lt. Col. Stewart’s remarkable journey as a Tuskegee Airman. She recounted his early fascination with aviation, watching planes at LaGuardia Airport and aspiring to become a pilot. At the age of 18, Stewart joined a pioneering training program in Alabama established for Black pilots in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Serving with the 332nd Fighter Group, he flew 43 combat missions between late 1944 and the spring of 1945. His bravery and skill earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross after successfully downing three German planes in an aerial battle shortly before the Allied victory in Europe.
Senator Britt emphasized the courage of the Tuskegee Airmen, noting that despite facing significant racial injustices at home, they chose to fight for a country that did not afford them equal rights. She acknowledged their perseverance and contributions to the war effort, stating that their service was instrumental in advancing civil rights and military integration.
“The legacies of Harry Stewart Jr. and the rest of the pilots who made history should be recognized as central to America’s story,” Britt said. She also referenced prior national recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen, including former President Donald Trump’s promotion of Airman Charles McGee to Brigadier General. Britt expressed her hope that their contributions would continue to inspire future generations of servicemembers and Americans alike.
Senator Britt has been a strong advocate for aviation education at Tuskegee University. Last year, she secured $6.7 million in funding to support the launch of a new flight school degree program at the university. During a visit to Tuskegee, Britt praised the initiative, stating that it would uphold the institution’s legacy of aviation excellence and innovation while preparing future pilots for both military and commercial careers.
Tuskegee University President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown acknowledged the senator’s support, highlighting the national need for skilled aviators. He noted that North America faces a projected pilot shortage of approximately 130,000 over the next 20 years, and Tuskegee’s program aims to equip students with the skills necessary to meet this demand.
Senator Britt concluded her remarks by reiterating the importance of recognizing the Tuskegee Airmen’s contributions not only during Black History Month but throughout the year. She emphasized that their bravery and selflessness in the face of adversity deserve to be honored alongside the nation’s most distinguished heroes.
