Tuskegee Airman Marion Rodgers

[Dan Newcomb]

Tuskegee Airman Marion Rodgers took his last Mustang ride with us yesterday. He is very frail and we had to lift him into the seat. He got an extra long ride with gentle banks and no Gs. It was a beautiful day. As I watched him I wondered what thoughts and memories this old fighter pilot was experiencing. Over 70 years ago his eyes gazed on B-17s and B-24s as they flew in formations over Europe. Now cruising over the California coast he was gazing at a T-34 and an SNJ. Back then he was the shepherd. Now the tables were turned. As we headed back to CMA I felt so honored to be part of his day. We can never, ever thank them enough for what they endured.

[maxum96]

That is so awesome. Thanks to all of you that made it possible for him to take that ride.

Last edited by maxum96 on Sun Sep 07, 2014 8:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[PbyCat-Guy]

That's great. Do all you can to give the last ones that are with us a great thanks.

[CoastieJohn]

Great event!!! That was a nice thing to do. Don't know if it would have been possible but it might be a cool thing to have him put his autograph someplace on the plane.

[SaxMan]

...and that's what it's all about. When you can do something that takes these guys back 70 years, it is amazing to witness. These great vets just get that look in their eyes as their minds take them back to their younger days.

[Lynn Allen]

Well done...