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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2025 53 e Chappie James Story Born Feb. 11, 1920, in Pensacola, Florida, Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. was the youngest of seventeen children. His mother, Lillie Anna Brown, a high school teacher, home-schooled Chappie and other neighborhood children. Fascinated by airplanes from an early age, Chappie worked odd jobs at Pensacola Naval Air Station for airplane rides, dreaming of becoming a pilot. In 1943, he earned his wings and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces, which later became the U.S. Air Force. After graduating from Tuskegee University, James trained pilots for the all-black 99th Pursuit Squadron during World War II, paving the way for the famed Tuskegee Airmen. As a decorated fighter pilot, James f lew over one hundred combat missions in the Korean War earning the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1950 for leading the P-51 Mustangs close air support mission. In 1967, during the Vietnam War, James became the Vice Wing Commander of the Eighth Tactical Fighter Wing, nicknamed the "Wolf Pack." Alongside Wing Commander Colonel Robin Olds, the two were known as "Blackman and Robin." James f lew 78 combat missions into North Vietnam and, with Olds, masterminded Operation Bolo MiG Sweep, one of the most successful air operations of the war. These missions cemented James's legacy and the Wolf Pack's reputation. James f lew over 500 combat missions. His superior performance and diplomatic skills led to his promotion to Brigadier General in 1970. On Sept. 1, 1975, Daniel 'Chappie' James Jr. made history, becoming the first African American of any military service to achieve the rank of four-star general. After dedicating 35 years to service, General James passed away from a heart attack on Feb. 25, 1978. He was 58 years old, and less than a month into his retirement. He was buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2020, the Pensacola Bay Bridge was renamed the General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Bridge in his honor. His childhood home is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The home houses the General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Museum and is located next to the Chappie James Flight Academy. Jazz Under the Stars is a free event on Saturday, Oct. 11. The next AACC meeting is on Monday, Nov. 3 at 6 pm in The Lodge Game Room. No meeting in September. For more information, contact Jocelyn Doucette at cjs1speed@gmail.com. ~ Regina omas African American Cultural Club Joyce Allen's 80th Birthday - Mardi Gras eme. L-R: Connie Bowen, elma Towner, Jocelyn Doucette, Joyce Allen, Anita Worthen, Beverly Blackshear, and Renee Pilson

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