Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc

Two sad days in Tuskegee Airmen History
The Newest Lonely Eagle – Jerry T. Hodges Jr.
and Tuskegee Airmen Supporter – Rosemary Williams
Published since 2008, !TFAM is a bi-weekly lifeline that unites readers and asks them to
ensure the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy of excellence. !TFAM provides an inside view into
the lives of Tuskegee Airmen and the people they influence.

The Newest Lonely Eagle – Jerry T. Hodges Jr.

Tuskegee Airmen Jerry Hodges and Louis Hill at 2009 Rose Parade

A ticking clock read 9:50 AM Pacific time Thursday morning, December
2024, when Airman and Omega man, Jerry T. Hodges Jr. joined The

Lonely Eagles Chapter.

AUGUST 24, 2024 JAZZ AND TUSKEGEE AIRMAN, JERRY T. HODGES JR., FOR HIS 99th

BIRTHDAY

“I love Jazz”, Jerry T. Hodges, Jr. said, with a smile in his voice, when reacting to
Jim Nygaard’s and Sunnye Simpson’s idea to be the guest of honor at a Jazz
Concert in honor of his 99th birthday. Jerry T. Hodges, Jr., a documented original
Tuskegee Airmen pilot, CPA, and member of fraternity Omega Psi Phi turned 99
years old on June 29, 2024. A man for all seasons, academic, military,
professional, and cultural.
Life began in Memphis Tennessee on June 29, 1925, shortly thereafter the family
moved to Heth (St. Francis County) Arkansas, where Jerry T. grew up being a
farm boy, excelling in school, graduating as high school valedictorian in 1943,
matriculating at Hampton Institute and along the way developing a deep and
growing interest in aviation. A passion took hold and moved him to enlist in the
Army Air Corps, completing basic training at Kessler Field in Biloxi Mississippi in
1944, Afterwards he entered rigorous and intensive pilot training at Tuskegee
Army Air Field earning those much coveted silver wings of an Army pilot in
September 1945.

While still at Tuskegee, he served in various positions until June 1946. When
discharged, Jerry left the red clay of Alabama for the sunshine of southern
California, the University of Southern California, a BSE degree in accounting and
finance, and a license as a certified public accountant. Following a career in
accounting including a position as vice president in an African American owned
insurance company, he opened his own accounting business with several
employees.
Induction into the Arkansas Black Hall of fame in 2012 for his achievements was
a great honor for Jerry T. Other honors followed including one from his fraternity.
Maintaining his membership of more than seventy-five years, Jerry T. Hodges Jr.
is still an active Omega Psi Phi member and receiving an award in 2018 for
continuous service from the Ques still gives him joy.
Jerry Hodges was chairman of Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation for
many years and during his tenure the fund reached and passed the
$2,000,000.00 mark. About ten years ago, he stepped down from that position,
but continued to advise the board of directors on financial matters. However,
we’re talking about Jazz here, so let’s get back on track!
Listening to Jazz, attending jazz concerts, and supporting the arts around Los

Angeles has for many year been something Jerry T loves doing. So, it was a no-
brainer when Jim Nygaard, chapter ambassador for the Los Angeles Chapter of

Tuskegee Airmen Inc., suggested to his fellow chapter member, what better way
to honor Jerry T. than with a private performance by a living Jazz legend. The
idea took flight and Jerry agreed. Daryl Darden will perform on Saturday, August
24, 2024, for Jerry T. Hodges, a documented original Tuskegee Airman pilot.
California.
“I am honored to be performing for this great gentleman and American hero” said
Jazz legend Daryl Darden, guitarist and vocalist.
“This is going to be one of those events that can only happen once. I’m very
proud to have played a small part”, said Jim Nygaard.

Submitted by Lynda “Sunnye” Simpson, LACTAI member 08/22/24 with
contributions from William Todd and Jim Nygaard.

Jerry Hodges received an award from the Omegas for 70 years of

continuous service in 2012.

Tuskegee Airmen Supporter – Rosemary Williams

During the fall of 2002 until the summer of annual convention in
2010/20012, Rosemary Williams was the backup national
parliamentarian, albeit unelected, Mrs. Parliamentarian knew
Roberts Rules of Order almost as well as the one and only Mr.
Parliamentarian Marvin Williams, her husband. Rosemary Williams,
beloved wife and best friend of Marvin Williams, passed away on
Monday, December 16, 2024.
Rosemary, we remember your smile, your work at the chapter level
and at the national level. We remember your dedication keeping
the legacy alive. I remember our first meeting at the convention in

2003. You were a champion. TAI could always depend on you and
      Marvin to show up and speak on behalf of the Airmen’s good work.
      When an Airman gave their stamp of approval on one of us, we
      knew we were doing good things and good work. You and Marvin
      were well regarded and held in high esteem by the airmen,
      especially by TAI nobility Spann Watson. You were also greatly
      esteemed by your fellow board members, regions, and nationally
      elected officers.
      Rosemary, we remember Marvin at one of the conventions in
      Orlando sharing your love story. It was one of rare times when we
      had a husband share his love story! The men and women on that
      occasion and in that room fell more in love with both of you that
      day.
      Thank you for being you Rosemary and delighting us with your
      honesty and example. Thank you for all that you were and still are.
      We love you Rosemary.

That’s all for now.
I love you madly!
L. Sunnye Simpson
Editor and publisher
!TFAM is a publication created by L. Sunnye Simpson and is not affiliated,
in anyway, with Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Any mention of Tuskegee Airmen
Inc. is done so at the discretion of the editor.
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