GoFundMe Raises More Than $600,000 for Army Sgt. La David Johnson

A GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than $600,000 at the time of this posting for the family of a soldier killed in Niger earlier this month.

Army Sgt. La David Johnson, a Green Beret, was killed along with three other soldiers during a operation in Niger on October 4. Johnson, 25, of Miami Gardens, Florida, was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Johnson leaves behind two children, ages 2 and 6, and his wife Myeshia Johnson, who is pregnant with their third child.

The GoFundMe page says that the money will be used to set up a scholarship in Johnson’s name.

The 5000 Role Model of Excellence Project, is establishing a Role Model Army Sgt. La David T. Johnson Scholarship to benefit his children by providing money towards their college education. We are asking you to donate to this worthy cause.

[SOURSE: HEAVY]

You may donate to the fund here: Sgt. La David T Johnson Scholarship

Trump to widow of fallen soldier Sgt. La David Johnson: 'He knew what he signed up for'

President Donald Trump told the widow of a US serviceman killed in the ambush in Niger that "he knew what he signed up for, but I guess it still hurt," according to Rep. Frederica Wilson.

The body of Sgt. La David Johnson was returned home to the Miami area late Tuesday afternoon, with the plane receiving a water cannon salute as it arrived near the gate.

The call from the President to Johnson's widow came shortly before Johnson's casket arrival, Wilson, a Florida Democrat, said on "CNN Tonight with Don Lemon" Tuesday.

"Basically he said, 'Well, I guess he knew what he signed up for, but I guess it still hurt,' " Wilson said, adding that she listened to part of the call on speaker phone while in a vehicle with the family. "That's what he said," she added.

Asked earlier if she was sure the President said that, Wilson told CNN affiliate WPLG: "Yeah, he said that. You know, ... that is something that you can say in a conversation, but you shouldn't say that to a grieving widow. Everyone knows when you go to war you could possibly not come back alive, but you don't remind a grieving widow of that. That is so insensitive. So insensitive."

Listen to the congresswoman's comments below:

[SOURCE: CNN]

WWII veteran awarded long lost medals at age 99

Richard Bell Jr. made the 12-hour, overnight hauls by starlight.

A driver during WWII in the famed Red Ball Express, he was one of a group of primarily African-American servicemen responsible for speeding supplies to the front lines in France after the invasion of Normandy.

“No lights, period,” he said. “You took the fuse out of the truck. That’s the way you did it.”

After the war, Bell was honorably discharged and returned home to Baltimore where he worked 30 years at Bethlehem Steel.

Now 99 and living in Blackstone, his great-nephew was preparing a family history when he discovered that Bell had been awarded a series of medals but never received them.

“When I saw that he had these awards, I asked to see them,” said Benjamin Sessoms Jr., an Ettrick resident. “He looked at me and said he didn’t have them. I said, ‘Did you lose them? What happened?’ He said he just didn’t have them.”

Bell said he’d never been that concerned about it: “To tell you the truth, I wasn’t worried about any medals at the time. I was worried about getting home.”

Undeterred, Sessoms made it his mission to see that his great-uncle receive the honors he had earned.

And on Saturday, it happened. Decades after those long, 12-hour hauls, Bell, surrounded by generations of family members who’d gathered for a family reunion at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, received six service medals. They include the American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar, and the World War II Victory Medal.

In attendance was U.S. Rep. Dave Brat, R-7th, whose office helped facilitate efforts to get Bell his medals; U.S. Army Brigadier Gen. Jeffrey W. Drushal; and a full color guard from Fort Lee.

Read more: WWII veteran awarded long lost medals at age 99

White Maryland student indicted in black Army officer's murder

A grand jury indicted a white former University of Maryland student for murder on Thursday in the stabbing death of a black U.S. Army officer that is still being investigating as a possible hate crime, authorities said.

Sean Urbanski, 22, of Severna Park, Maryland, who was a member of a racist Facebook group, was indicted for common-law murder over the on-campus death of Lieutenant Richard Collins III in May, said John Erzen, a spokesman for the Prince George's County state's attorney.

"Right now, the investigation into the motive, including whether it was a hate crime, is still ongoing," Erzen said in a telephone interview.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was helping police analyze Urbanski's digital devices. "We expect that to conclude in the coming weeks," Erzen said. A police investigation showed that Urbanski was part of the Alt-Reich group on Facebook, where members post disparaging material about African-Americans, Jews and others.

Erzen said prosecutors planned to seek life without parole for Urbanski, who remains jailed without bond. His attorney, William Brennan, did not respond to a request for comment.

[SOURCE]

Oldest remaining Tuskegee Airman, Willie N. Rogers , dies at 101

We have lost another one, another hero, another example of excellence, we have lost another Tuskegee Airmen. God bless his soul.

Willie N. Rogers was an American hero, and at age 101, he was a living example of the nation's history.

He was a member of the "Greatest Generation," which defeated the Axis powers in World War II, doing his part as a master sergeant in the all-black Tuskegee Airmen during the era of racial segregation in the U.S. military.

The longtime St. Petersburg resident died Friday, 11/18/2016 from complications of a stroke.

He was the oldest surviving member of that original legendary 100th Fighter Squadron, The Tuskegee Airmen.

Mr. Rogers received his Congressional Gold Medal in November 2013.

Also in recent years, he was presented with the keys to the cities of Lakeland and St. Petersburg. His portrait hangs in the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

[SOURCE]

Veterans show support for Colin Kaepernick #VeteransForKaepernick

By George L. Cook III, proud U.S. Army Veteran. AfricanAmericanReports.Com [EMAIL]

Don't tell conservatives but many veterans like myself were not upset by Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the national anthem. Many of us understand that we served so that Kaepernick would have the right to not stand during the anthem. I and other veterans served not to tell others what they can and can't say but to defend their right to say it. Here are the tweets of several veterans in support of Colin Kaepernick:

I served so that #ColinKapernick has the choice to sit or stand during the national anthem #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/PHhjmUzhkr

— George Cook (@AAReports) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick 8 years served for the Freedom of Speech. 0 years served to protect police brutality.

— Clint Silva (@GremLegend) August 31, 2016

@Kaepernick7 I served 25yrs in the AF to protect everyone's 1st Amend rights. I support you #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/sgEdir8WGf"

— RTED.ORG (@RTED2016) August 31, 2016

Because we demand our country protect all its citizens equally. THAT is what I defended! #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/xOqLAO0b1f

— Robert Young (@robertcyoung) August 31, 2016

I don't agree with all of his points, but I'll fight to the death for his right to say it. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/0jeFlIv5RX

— Isaac wright (@I_Zac33) August 31, 2016

I was a Black man before my service and will still be a Black man when I'm done #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Sjm8Laq9fB

— Dominique Thorpe (@GenuinelySpoken) August 31, 2016

I serve for his right to protest.. I don't serve for Police Brutality.. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q6GUNTwHDO

— Airbnb Papi (@JoeOnDemand) August 31, 2016

By George L. Cook III, proud U.S. Army Veteran. AfricanAmericanReports.Com [EMAIL]

West Point clears black cadets over raised-fists photo

Inquiry concludes cadets just wanted to show unity

The 16 female, African-American cadets who appeared in a photograph with raised fists in uniform will not be punished for their controversial "Old Corps Photo."

The U.S. Military Academy announced Tuesday that no punitive action will be taken against the cadets, according to a school press release.

The official inquiry concluded the photograph did not violate any Army or Department of Defense regulations and was only intended to demonstrate unity and pride.

"As members of the Profession of Arms, we are held to a high standard, where our actions are constantly observed and scrutinized in the public domain," said academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., in a letter.

In addition to finding no official violations, the findings stated that no one in the photo intended to show support for a political movement, said the release.

"We all must understand that a symbol or gesture that one group of people may find harmless may offend others. As Army officers, we are not afforded the luxury of a lack of awareness of how we are perceived," Caslen said.

[SOURCE]

Nadja West will become the 1st black female three-star general

On Tuesday, February 9, Lt. Gen Nadja West will be honored in an official ceremony formalizing her promotion to three-star general, making her the first African-American woman to achieve that rank in the United States Army. She is also the highest-ranking woman of any race to have graduated from West Point.

The promotion and ceremony follows the 54-year-old’s confirmation by the Senate as the new Army Surgeon General and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) as of December. As such, West will be assisting and advising the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff in relation to all health care matters in the Army, in addition to overseeing development, organization, policy direction, and other matters relative to the Army-wide health care systems.

[SOURCE]

Milton Crenchaw, a Tuskegee airman, dies at 96

Milton Pitts Crenchaw, of the original Tuskegee Airmen, was one of the first African Americans in the country and the first from Arkansas to be trained by the federal government as a civilian licensed pilot. He trained hundreds of cadet pilots while at Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute in the 1940s and was the catalyst in starting the first successful flight program at Philander Smith College in Little Rock (Pulaski County) from 1947 to 1953. His combined service record extends for over forty years of federal service from 1941 to 1983 with the U.S. Army (in the Army Air Corps) and eventually the U.S. Air Force.

Crenchaw received partial training and physical examinations at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, before returning to Tuskegee for another phase of primary instruction and advance courses in aviation piloting. He graduated with his civilian pilot license and then commercial pilot certificate on August 11, 1941. Crenchaw became a primary civilian flight instructor and eventually one of the two original supervising squadron commanders under Chief Pilot Charles A. Anderson. He and Charles Foxx were the first instructors for the first group of student pilot trainees between 1941 and 1946.

[SOURCE]

Tuskegee Airman Eugene Jackson, 92, dies

A Portland native who belonged to a groundbreaking World War II fighter squadron that helped lead the way toward desegregation of the U.S. military has died.

Eugene B. Jackson, 92, of North Marshfield, Massachusetts, died Sept. 20, according to his close friend and attorney, Paul Kaufman.

Jackson, who was born in Portland and graduated from Portland High School in 1941, served with the Tuskegee Air Squadron during World War II.

Jackson, who maintained the radio and communication equipment on the aircraft flown by the African-American pilots, received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 along with other Tuskegee Airmen.

[SOURCE]

President Obama honors nation's oldest veteran

President Obama honored a very special veteran Friday: 110-year-old Emma Didlake.

A resident of Detroit, Didlake is believed to be the nation's oldest veteran.

"We are so grateful that she is here with us today," Obama during a brief Oval Office photo opportunity.

He added: "And it's a great reminder of not only the sacrifices that the Greatest Generation made on our behalf, but also the kind of trailblazing that our women veterans made, (and) African American veterans who helped to integrate our Armed Services."

Didlake "was a Private during the course of her service and her decorations include the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal," the White House said in a statement.

"It's a great honor to have her here," the president said.

Read more: Obama honors nation's oldest veteran

Obama To Posthumously Award “Harlem Hellfighters” With Medal Of Honor

President Obama to Award the Medal of Honor

WASHINGTON, DC – On June 2, 2015, President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor to Army Sergeant William Shemin and to Army Private Henry Johnson for conspicuous gallantry during World War I. 

Sergeant William Shemin will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions while serving as a member of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces.  Sergeant Shemin distinguished himself during combat operations in the vicinity of the Vesle River, Bazoches, France, on August 7-9, 1918. 

Sergeant Shemin entered the Army on October 2, 1917. He was assigned as a rifleman to Company G, 47th Infantry Regiment, which moved from Syracuse, New York to Camp Greene, North Carolina, joining the 4th Infantry Division. The Division arrived in France in May, 1918. 

While serving as a rifleman from August 7-9, 1918, Sergeant Shemin left the cover of his platoon’s trench and crossed open space, repeatedly exposing himself to heavy machine gun and rifle fire to rescue the wounded. After officers and senior non-commissioned officers had become casualties, Shemin took command of the platoon and displayed great initiative under fire, until he was wounded, August 9.

Ms. Elsie Shemin-Roth of Webster Grove, Missouri, will join the President at the White House to accept the Medal of Honor on her father’s behalf.

Private Henry Johnson will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions while serving as a member of Company C, 369th Infantry Regiment, 93rd Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Then-Private Johnson distinguished himself during combat operations in the vicinity of the Tourbe and Aisne Rivers, northwest of Saint Menehoul, France, on May 15, 1918.

Private Johnson entered the Army on June 5, 1917. He was assigned to Company C, 15th New York (Colored) Infantry Regiment, an all-black National Guard unit that would later become the 369th Infantry Regiment. The Regiment was ordered into battle in 1918, and Private Johnson and his unit were brigaded with a French Army colonial unit in front-line combat. 

While on night sentry duty on May 15, 1918, Private Johnson and a fellow Soldier received a surprise attack by a German raiding party consisting of at least 12 soldiers. While under intense enemy fire and despite receiving significant wounds, Johnson mounted a brave retaliation resulting in several enemy casualties. When his fellow soldier was badly wounded, Private Johnson prevented him from being taken prisoner by German forces.  Private Johnson exposed himself to grave danger by advancing from his position to engage an enemy soldier in hand-to-hand combat. Displaying great courage, Private Johnson held back the enemy force until they retreated.

Command Sergeant Major Louis Wilson, New York National Guard, will join the President at the White House to accept the Medal of Honor on Private Johnson’s behalf.

Why some in the US military are conflicted about Bergdahl's release.

Let me first state that I don't speak for everyone in the US military. This article is based on talks I have had with friends and family that have served or are serving. I myself am prior military having served in the US Army/ NJ national Gaurd. (91-94).

My first reaction upon hearing that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl had been released can be summed up in two words.

Fuck Bergdahl!

Even though that was my initial thought I like many of my friends were a bit conflicted on his release. I am happy for his family that they get their son back. I can't help but feel happy for Bergdahl's mother and father.

But I still can't get away from the fact that Bergdahl deserted his post. I don't know if he was a traitor. I'm not sure if brave soldiers died looking for him after his disappearance but one thing that everyone seems to be able to agree upon is that he left his post.

When he left his post he left men who were supposed to be his brothers vulnerable and exposed to the enemy. He just left men whose lives were in his hands. Men that could have been sleeping, eating, praying, or just writing home were left unprotected because of Berdahl's actions.

In combat all soldiers have is each other and their faith. Trust is a must and Bergdahl violated that trust.

I believe that he should be brought up on charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for desertion. Now there are lesser charges he could face but he has to face charges.

We can not treat a man who most likely deserted his post with kid gloves and definitely not as a hero. Bergdahl is not a hero, he is far from it.

The men and women who serve every day and would never dream of deserting their post are the heroes. The men that went looking for their "brother" even though it was pretty obvious he had deserted are heroes. I salute those men and women.

I can not and I will not salute Bergdahl. If he is cleared after a military trial then my mind will change but until then I have no respect for the man.

George L. Cook III

80 U.S. troops in Chad will aid search for abducted Nigerian girls

[SOURCE] The United States deployed 80 members of its armed forces to Chad to help in the search for the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls, the White House said Wednesday.

"These personnel will support the operation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft for missions over northern Nigeria and the surrounding area," it said in a letter.

"The force will remain in Chad until its support in resolving the kidnapping situation is no longer required." President Barack Obama informed the House speaker and the president of the Senate of the move.

The forces will be involved in maintaining aircraft and analyzing data, but because they are armed, the President is required by law to inform the speaker of the House, Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said.

Military to review hair rules after complaints from black women.

[ SOURCE ] The military is reviewing its new regulations involving soldiers' appearance following criticism that the hair requirement is racially biased.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby says Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will make whatever adjustments to the policy are appropriate after the review.

The Army earlier this month issued new appearance standards that ban most twists, dreadlocks and large cornrows. Those are all styles used predominantly by African-American women with natural hairstyles. Sixteen female members of the Congressional Black Caucus wrote to Hagel calling the changes "discriminatory rules targeting soldiers who are women of color."

Kirby says Hagel will have the deputy secretary of defense "work with the service secretaries and military chiefs to review their respective policies" over the next three months.

Civil War Recruiting posters for blacks.

Check out these poster used to recruit free black men to the US Army during the Civil War. If you like history, African American history, and American history these should interest you.