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Rep. Jenkins honors Tuskagee Airman John Watson Jr.

“He truly believed in giving back to his nation, and we are better off for his service to our country.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) honored the life of Tuskegee Airman and Beckley resident John Watson Jr., who passed away Aug. 31 at the age of 96. Rep. Jenkins spoke on the House floor Wednesday to pay tribute to Watson’s service.

“Mr. Watson joined the military during World War II and served as an aircraft crew chief. These men were integral to the success of the Tuskegee Airmen but were never given their due until recently,” Rep. Jenkins said. “I was pleased and honored to help present Mr. Watson with his Tuskegee red jacket and his congressional gold medal when he visited the Capitol just this past May as part of an honor flight organized by Always Free Honor Flight of West Virginia.”

Click here to watch Rep. Jenkins’ remarks.

The full text of the congressman’s speech is below.

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor the life of John Watson Jr. of Beckley, a Tuskegee Airman who served our country honorably during World War II.

“Mr. Watson passed away Aug. 31 and will be buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Watson in May when he was formally recognized as a Tuskegee Airman.

“Mr. Watson joined the military during World War II and served as an aircraft crew chief. These men were integral to the success of the Tuskegee Airmen but were never given their due until recently.

“I was pleased and honored to help present Mr. Watson with his Tuskegee red jacket and his congressional gold medal when he visited the Capitol just this past May as part of an honor flight organized by Always Free Honor Flight of West Virginia.

“One of his granddaughters, Daphne Watson, was able to join him for the presentation, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Mr. Watson received his long past due, much-deserved recognition.

After serving in World War II, Mr. Watson continued his work as an employee of the V.A. Medical Center in Beckley, W.Va. He truly believed in giving back to his nation, and we are better off for his service to our country.”

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