433rd Airlift Wing preview Tuskegee Airmen documentary Published Dec. 15, 2011 By Senior Master Sgt. Minnie Jones 433rd Airlift Wing 12/13/2011 -- -- LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 100 Servicemembers and their guests from the 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland Air Force Base and the 12th Flying Training Wing from Randolph Air Force Base, were provided with a private screening of the LucasFilm documentary, "Double Victory" and a preview of the upcoming Tuskegee Airmen movie, "Red Tails" at the at Santikos Rialto Theatre in San Antonio, Dec. 10. The event was organized by VITAS and hosted by the San Antonio Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. The Lucasfilm documentary "Double Victory" chronicles the experiences and personal plight of the Tuskegee Airmen, who rose to their Nation's defense, during World War II, despite the controversy that blacks lacked the intelligence, skill and courage to fly. They fought two wars, one, overseas combating fascism in Europe, and the other here, stateside against racial discrimination and segregation, hence "Double Victory." Marv Abrams, President of the San Antonio Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. opened the documentary with remarks about how the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen have positively affected our nation. During the film, the audience listened to personal accounts from Tuskegee Airmen, such as Capt. Roscoe Brown, and others, talked about their experiences during World War II, fighting against oppression overseas and their struggles with segregation and discrimination during and after war and when they returned home. Their acts of bravery and determination, greatly contributed to America's success in World War II, and to the tearing down of walls of prejudice and segregation within the military. But no matter the evidence of true acts of heroism and the major impact on the war and in American history -- their achievements were not recognized until many years to come. "It was very motivational," said Senior Airman Christina Guzman, 433rd Maintenance Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base. The racism they went through, especially the part where the German prisoners of war were treated better than the Tuskegee Airmen, stood out in my mind." This unique event provided attendees with an inspirational and educational understanding of the history of Tuskegee Airmen, as well as a preview of the upcoming movie, "Red Tails." After viewing the film, Tech. Sgt. Rolf Stibbe, 433 Maintenance Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, said, "For me it (Double Victory) was an education. They were in combat long before they (Tuskegee Airmen) ever went overseas." After the screening, Servicemembers and their guests had an opportunity to meet and talk with San Antonio's own Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Granville Coggs and Mr. Thomas Ellis. Coggs served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946 and trained as bombardier and multi-engine pilot. Ellis was the first enlisted administrative clerk of the 301st Fighter Squadron. "It (the event) was one of a kind, probably one of the best days in my Air Force career," said Senior Airmen Juan Guerra, 433 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, after taking photos with Tuskegee Airman in attendance. "Respect is what most people want, and that is what the Tuskegee Airmen are finally achieving," said Dr. Granville Coggs during the question and answer session after the screening of "Double Victory." He went on to say, "This movie (Red Tails) is going to change how people look at the Tuskegee Airmen." "Red Tails" is scheduled to be released Jan. 20, 2012 in a theater near you.