Several years ago I wrote a column for the Stockton Record under the headline "The greatness behind the Tuskegee airmen." In the wake of Black History Month and the flap about "Redtails," the recently released movie honoring this small percentage of Tuskegee airmen, I am posting that column, written November 25, 1997:
A friend attending the Tuskegee airmen reception lat week speculated about the women in their lives.
"Just what does it take to be a Tuskegee wife?" she wondered. After all, the attention is usually focused on the men, and the wives are almost viewed as appendages.
A sampling of the ingredients came as a bonus to those fortunate enough to meet the trio of spouses at a dinner reception in Stockton last week under the auspices of the Association of Life Underwriters.
I've always held to the adage that behind every great man is an even greater woman. My belief was validated on meeting the women of Tuskegee.
First it takes courage. If you're shackled to a brave man, you can't be a shrinking vine.
A little humility doesn't hurt either. I first observed the lovely ladies sitting quietly as their husbands mingled with the crowd. They obviously enjoyed each other and appeared content to leave the spotlight to their husbands.
Beauty--the women were definitely beautiful by any measurable standard. I thought of Oscar Wilde's "Portrait of Dorian Grey" with its premise that whatever is inside a person ultimately makes its way to the surface.
But beyond the physical beauty, the wives' beauty of spirit overrides, captivates.
The last--and most important ingredient--is love that stands the test of time. All have survived at least four decades of marriage.
The women listen intently as their husbands tell the Tuskegee story. It speaks of stouthearted men protesting a return to second-class citizenship after World War II. Its message of man's inhumanity to man makes way for the greater message of forgiveness--and moving toward "one nation under God, indivisible..."
"We are Americans. We want no hyphens to denote our ancestry. We fought for America. This is our country."
The wives nod their agreement.
Lee Woodward wears her jaunty red cap well. She smiles often and is quick to revise husband Ed's account of their first meeting as youngsters in New York. He claims to have stolen the fetching young Lee from one friend on the dare of another.
Lt. Col. Woodward is dashing the next day at a program for local Black high school students in his Air Force bomber jacket with the American flag on its sleeve. From the podium, his message brings a standing ovation.
After 56 years of marriage and ten children, Aline Moret, wife of 80-year-old retired 1st Lt. Adolph Moret, continues an ageless beauty. When Adolph jokingly asks whether he irritates his lovely spouse, she quips:
"if I were an oyster, I would have enough pearls for a necklace." Moret's bittersweet experiences haven't affected his patriotism. His advice to youths:
"You wouldn't want the injustices to run your life. You need education, prepare yourself for the world because the opportunities will pass you by. Let's do things you can control because the only thing you can control is yourself. And your character is the only thing you are in charge of, not the color of your skin. If you dwell on the color of your skin and neglect character, you will never be free."
Xanthia is married to author James Warren, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and Vacaville resident. The well-coiffed articulate lady was busy organizing the book-signing after the presentation so we didn't get to talk much. Warren has written "The Freeman Field Mutiny," which they both hope to see made into a movie.
The Tuskegee wives are the envy of their generation. They contributed to the successes of their men and marriages with incredible odds against them. We take this opportunity to acknowledge these fine ladies and, once again, the outstanding achievements of their husbands.
