Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran George Watson Sr.
George Watson Sr. is a World War II Veteran and one of the original Tuskegee Airmen.
After graduating from high school, George enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1942. He was sent to Tuskegee to help form the 332nd Fighter Group and the 96th Air Service Group, where he served as a supply sergeant and support personnel. In 1944, George was deployed to Italy as part of the 332nd Fighter Group, assigned to the 366th Air Service Squadron. His duties included providing field services, such as delivering crucial aircraft parts to the “Red Tails,” the nickname given to the 332nd Fighter Group Airmen responsible for flying escort for heavy bombers. While on guard duty at Capodichino Air Field, George was injured during an air raid by the Germans.
During his 26 years of service, he was assigned to stations in Germany, England, Turkey and Iran, before eventually retiring from McGuire Air Force Base where he worked as an aircraft and missile electrician.
In 2007, George and the other Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
After retiring from the military, George remains active in community service through speaking engagements about his experience as a Tuskegee Airmen. He also founded the American Legion Chapter named after Captain Robert B. Tresville. He was awarded the NAACP Lifetime Award and the Community Service Award for outstanding contributions.
George and his late wife, Juanita Jackson, have two sons and one daughter. He currently resides in his hometown, Lakewood, N.J.
Thank you for your service, George!
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.
Graphic created by Carl J. Valentino: Carl J. Valentino is a student at the University of Delaware with a Major in International Business and a Minor in Graphic Design.
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I’m 60 year old veteran and would want to participate in this.