Cold War warrior speaks to students at Joseph Stilwell Military Academy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Students with military moms and dads got a chance Thursday to chat with military history.

Students were taught black history by speaking with Cold War warrior John Gay.

“This is American history,” Gay said. “It happen to involve a lot of black people, but it’s American history.”

It is a time that can be confusing and forgotten about, as it took place during World War II.

“When I’m talking to kids or adults about this time in history. It’s not something that somebody told me, I lived it. I grew up with it,” Gay said.

Gay is the leader of the Daniel James Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated. He also served during the Cold War.

Gay was not a part of the original Tuskegee Airman who fought in World War II, but knew and trained with those who he calls brothers.

“I’m a Cold War warrior, but the Tuskegee Airmen who are the original are like my big brothers. I grew up with them,” Gay said. “When I’m talking to kids or adults about this time in history. It’s not something that somebody told me, I lived it. I grew up with it.”

Gay got the chance to share his memories with students Thursday at the Joseph Stilwell Military Academy.

“I didn’t know blacks were kind of forced to go and fight for their country, even though when they come back they knew it would be the same segregation,” said student Sincere Rogers. “The stuff he talked about was really interesting. History that I didn’t know about.”

Gay said although not everyone is familiar with the history, but he’s hoping soon that will change.

“Mr. Gay tells me he is excited about more people learning about the airman,” Rogers said. “There is a museum opening up in D.C. in September.”

Students at Joseph Stilwell will also hear from the Buffalo Soldiers Historical Society on Friday.

Cox Media Group