African-American military experience conference topic

The National Park Service and Tuskegee University will be hosting "The African-American Military Experience: A Glorious History, A Dream Deferred" at the Kellogg Executive Conference center in Tuskegee, Alabama Nov. 13-16, 2000.

The Southeast Region of the National Park Service has stressed the need to tell more complete stories of the history of this country. The military experience of African-Americans preceded their acceptance as citizens and their entry into the various arenas of American life. The historical experience of these men and women constitutes a critical aspect.

In understanding the development of the American military establishment. This conference will explore many issues with presentations by noted military specialists, historians, and other allied professionals. Down link options will be made available to Historical Black Colleges and Universities and other locations who have the capabilities.

There will be several guest speakers, including: Major General Lucius Theus, USAF (retired), first African-American combat support officer to be promoted to Brigadier General and one of only three members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen to be so honored;

Brigadier General Clara Adams-Edner (retired) rose from a staff nurse in the army nurse corps to become the chief executive officer for 22,000 nurses, a brigadier general and director of personnel for the army surgeon general;

Lt. Colonel Michael L. Lanning (retired), who served in infantry, airborne, ranger, armor and public affairs positions in Europe, Vietnam and throughout the United States, author of numerous military books;

Walter Hill, Senior Archivists, at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington D.C. with subject area specialty in African-Americans in military federal records;

and Bennie McRae retired military, author of prestigious web site "Lest We Forget" that explores African-Americans in all eras of the military.

Registration and agenda information is available on the Internet at www.nps.gov/tuin/aamconference.

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Posted by: Bennie J. McRae, Jr. LWF Communications Trotwood, Ohio