Loudoun County resident and member of the Leonard W. Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001 (AL Post 2001) of Ashburn VA, Carl Johnson, was the last Tuskegee Airman to earn his wings in 1946. The Tuskegee airmen were the first African American Aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. At 94 years old, he can remember a time when he overcame many obstacles to achieve the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army. He selflessly served his Country with 30 years of military service and tenures at DOD and the FAA.

When AL2001 heard about Carl’s mobility challenges, from a Post wellness checkup phone call several weeks ago, the answer was clear – find a way to help a fellow Veteran who had an essential need. At about the same time, an Ashburn resident, Mrs. Cheryl Broome, decided it was time to donate her two power wheel chairs, one from her deceased husband, also a Veteran, and one that she had replaced for herself.  She contacted Mike Ross who owns/operates Batteries and Bulbs for ideas. Mike, in turn, contacted our Post, as we had worked with him before to place a donated power wheel chair with a Veteran in need.  AL2001 sprang into action, visited Mrs. Broome, picked up the power wheel  chairs, had Mike replace the batteries that he donated and began the match to need process.

On Friday, 29 May, five American Legion Post 2001 members met with this special WWII, Korean war and Vietnam war Veteran to deliver the much needed power wheelchair. Carl will use this to go down the street to his community’s Recreation Center so that he can continue his workouts! He was very pleased that anyone would take the time to worry about him.

Although, social distancing was in effect the AL2001 managed to take a peak at 30+ years of legacy. Several Post members asked if they could learn more about his life. In a most humble way, Carl said, “well, we  could  go inside and I could show you some photo albums.” The doorway was jammed as we all rushed  in to share in this view of a remarkable man and career. An hour later, we realized it was time for us to go, but promising to come back in another couple of weeks if he was willing to share with us some more history, which he graciously agreed to. There will be a follow up to this story, stay tuned.