In observance of Veterans Day, Las Positas College invites the public to attend a free history presentation featuring three nationally renowned World War II heroes on Thursday, Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Barbara Fracisco Mertes Center for the Arts, Building 4000. Guests are encouraged to arrive for the 9:45 a.m. Presentation of Colors.
The first speaker, 10:30-11:30 a.m., is Maggie Gee, one of only two Chinese-American women pilots who served with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). She helped male pilots train for combat and became a part of an air transport program where she would ferry men and aircraft to ports of embarkation. In 2009, a book was written about her life story called, “Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee.” In 2010, she received the Congressional Gold Medal.
The second presentation, 12-1 p.m., features Lt. LeRoy Gillead and Lt. Col. Harold Hoskins Jr., two of the original Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American pilots who fought in World War II. Before 1940, African-Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military. In 1941, civil rights efforts results in the formation of an all African-American pursuit squadron based in Tuskegee, Ala. which became known as the Tuskegee Airmen - recognized as one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. An eponymous award-winning 1995 film chronicles their heroism and significance in integration of the military.
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Following is the complete schedule of events:
- 8 a.m. Dedication of the Flag by the Student Veterans Organization
- 9:45 a.m. National Anthem and Presentation of Colors by Travis Air Force Base
- 10:30 a.m. Maggie Gee Presentation
- 12 p.m. Tuskegee Airmen Presentation
- 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. BBQ by Elite Cafeteria
- 5 p.m. TAPS performed by David Kratochvil
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Other highlights include: WASP and Maggie Gee display in the Library, Branches of Service display in the Multi-Disciplinary Building 2400, Air Force Jazz Band, Warrior Watch Riders, Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, past and present military vehicles and representatives from community Veterans organizations.
The event is sponsored by the Las Positas College Veterans First Program which provides veterans with services and resources to help them achieve their educational goals. This past academic year, more than 300 veterans or active duty military personnel were enrolled at the college. The college recently was recognized as a Military Friendly School for 2011 by “G.I. Jobs” magazine, placing the college in the top 15 percent of schools nationwide.
Veteran support services include a full-time program coordinator, priority registration, transfer workshops, a book loan program, a study/drop-in tutorial center, work-study program and an active Student Veterans Organization. The program also hosts special events such as Operation Gateway, an on-campus orientation for returning veterans.
The Las Positas College Foundation and the Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation of Livermore have joined hands to serve our military veterans who have served our country. This past year, the Las Positas College Foundation raised $10,000 in scholarships and the Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation matched that amount, bringing total veteran scholarship funding to $20,000. For more information, please visit the website at www.laspositascollege.edu/veterans.
