New book details stories of Tuskegee Airmen with ties to Arizona

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“Black Wings Over Arizona” is a collective history featuring the stories of 19 documented original Tuskegee Airmen who had ties to bases in Arizona after WWII.

For over 79 years, their commitment, dedication, performance and contributions were at the forefront of change as civil rights activists, civic leaders, educators and entrepreneurs in Arizona. The book also chronicles the heroism of 855 African American women sent to Europe during WWII to clear a two to three year backlog of mail for the American troops.

Colonel Richard “Dick” Toliver, a retired U.S. Air Force Fighter Pilot and author, joined “Arizona Horizon” to talk about his new book.

Colonel Toliver graduated from the Tuskegee Institute and was mentored, trained and commissioned by the Tuskegee Airmen. He graduated from “Top Gun” school and then flew 446 combat missions in Southeast Asia over two tours. Colonel Toliver retired from the Air Force in 1989 after 26 years of distinguished service.

The title “Black Wings Over Arizona” came about as Colonel Toliver said he “wanted to reflect the character of people, image of the people, the beautiful backdrop of Arizona which I love so dearly.”

He added, “So what we did is found a way to merge the topography of Arizona with the aircrafts and the lives themselves,” said Colonel Toliver.

Colonel Richard ‘Dick’ Toliver (RET), U.S. Air Force Fighter Pilot

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