Calvin Spann, one of the original Tuskeege Airman pilots, dead at 90

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

It’s a very interesting story here

Calvin Spann was a business associate and friend of mine for over a decade. I knew “Spannie” quite well. We used to talk about his piloting experiences, as well as the racism he endured. He was just an all around good guy.

I’ve posted a few times about the man whose opinion I changed on gay people:

Person: I hate what gay people do.
Me: What do you hate? That they pay taxes? Go to work? Brush their teeth? (I listed about twenty things we all do). Do you want to be judge on something you do maybe twice a week?
Response: Twice a week if I’m lucky

Spannie later told me that I changed his entire opinon on the subject.

As you fly into the skies of death, know that I’m glad I knew ue, Calvin Spann.

2

Sorry for your loss.

I was lucky enough at my first job that a Tuskegee airman came to talk to us once, and I got to shake his hand.

True exemplars, that group.

3

A family man. A war hero. A man who put up with a ton of crap so he could risk his life for those who did not fully appreciate his sacrifices. And practically anybody who fought Nazis is all right in my book.

Spann and his fellows in the 332nd earned a reputation for effectively protecting the bombers they escorted and bringing the (“white”) bomber crews home alive, rather than pursuing personal glory.

Fly high, Mr. Spann.