Tuskegee Interviews: Talking With Real Heroes

I love it when I come across the occasional meme or message on social media that states something truly meaningful.  For example, I like it when I see reminders that in a very celebrity-obsessed and self-focused world, important people get overlooked - like our military heroes.  This is especially true for those who belong to The Greatest Generation.

No doubt about it, I was always excited when I booked a celebrity guest on my first talk show.  However, I was honored to talk to two heroes in February of 2012.  The movie Red Tails was coming out, and it told a story featuring a group of Tuskegee Airmen. Sure, I could've worked on finding a couple of actors from the movie, but I decided to go a different route.

I went out and found two actual Tuskegee Airmen to feature on the show - Master Sergeant Joseph Montgomery and Colonel Charles McGee.  First off, Colonel McGee was a modern day badass.  From World War II to Vietnam, he was like Maverick from Top Gun.  He flew over 400 combat missions during his service.  He is 99-years-old today.

I had the unique opportunity to interview Master Sergeant Montgomery at his home in Fort Worth, Texas.  Like many heroes of his generation, he was a great storyteller.  He talked about making the trip to Tuskegee via train and having to cover up the windows at stops where skin color could cause some problems for them.  At times, he chokes up talking about the experience, proving how much pain still existed. I was sad to learn that he passed away last year, but I feel lucky to be someone who got to hear his story.

I'm also proud to be someone who can help keep the stories and memories alive for both of these American heroes. ​