Tuskegee Airmen exhibit drawing attention at EAA

OSHKOSH - Friday wrapped up the 5th day of EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, and one of the main attractions on the grounds has been the Tuskegee Airmen exhibit.

Such a piece of aviation history fit quite well at EAA.

The Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron out of Minnesota has traveled the country to teach people about the Tuskegee Airmen, and one of the pieces of the exhibit actually made its debut at EAA.

The story of the airmen has even caught the attention of a well-known movie director, who also made a debut Friday.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American Pilots to fly in a combat squadron during World War II. Their story is considered to be a universal inspiration.

"It was determined that they were too cowardly and not coordinated enough to fly airplanes in combat and they became the best of the best," explained Tim Barzen, Media Relations for CAF Red Tail Squadron.

And those at EAA can get up close and personal with such a heroic piece of American aviation history.

A P-51C on display is one of the original models of the signature planes the airmen flew in combat.

It's now used as an educational tool at air shows across the country.

"There are still many people that aren't aware of the history and that there are lessons to be learned," explained squadron leader, Brad Lang.

Lang's father was an original Tuskegee Airman and feels he would be proud of the efforts to keep their legacy alive.

"There's a connection between these old things called World War II fighters and also the personal freedoms that we take for granted nowadays," Lang said. "No matter what those obstacles were they rose above those obstacles to be successful in life."

The group has traveled across the country with the plane, and now a trailer will add to their exhibit, making its first appearance at EAA.

The trailer features Tuskegee Airmen documentaries to give people the full experience.

"It's a universal story, it's a universal inspiration," Barzen explained. "You don't have to be from any specific background to understand and take advantage of these principals."

And the story has been inspirational enough for movie director George Lucas.

Lucas made his AirVenture debut Friday, and previewed his upcoming feature film, “Red Tails."

The film tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. It's set for release next year.

Until then, people can check out the airmen exhibit at EAA until Sunday.