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James and Bob Sheppard pose for a photo at the Blue Angels air show in 2015. Courtesy of Bob Sheppard
James Sheppard stands in front of a P-51 Mustang aircraft at the Ramitelli Airfield in Italy. Courtesy of Bob Sheppard
A group of Tuskegee airmen ground crew gather for a photo in front of the Gloria, a P-51 Mustang piloted by Flight Officer Thomas Lawson Hawkins. Courtesy of Bob Sheppard.
James and Bob Sheppard pose for a photo at the Blue Angels air show in 2015. Courtesy of Bob Sheppard
James Sheppard stands in front of a P-51 Mustang aircraft at the Ramitelli Airfield in Italy. Courtesy of Bob Sheppard
A group of Tuskegee airmen ground crew gather for a photo in front of the Gloria, a P-51 Mustang piloted by Flight Officer Thomas Lawson Hawkins. Courtesy of Bob Sheppard.
Join Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library and the American Legion Post 36 for a special look at the 332nd Fighter Group, an all-black segregated unit of the U.S. Army Air Force who fought during World War II, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
The event will take place on Friday, May 23 at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post 36 at 25 Industrial Park Road in Boothbay. Bob Sheppard, whose father, James, was a member of the 332nd Fighter Group, will share a personal story of hardship, courage, and determination including a segment of a documentary he co-produced about his dad, offering a glimpse into the life of the Tuskegee Airmen. This event is free and open to the public.
Growing up, Bob Sheppard and his siblings had no idea their dad served during WWII with an all-black segregated unit of the US Army Air Force. He later had the chance to learn much more about the Tuskegee Airmen, accompanying his father, James Sheppard to air shows around the country, speaking engagements, as well as conventions, and other special events getting a chance to meet and talk with some of the African Americans who served in the famed 332nd Fighter Group.
When James was no longer able to travel, Bob began filling in for his father, who passed away in 2018, talking to audiences across the country about the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Bob will share a personal story of hardship, courage and determination including a segment of a documentary he co-produced about his dad, offering a glimpse into the life of training in Alabama and Michigan and serving in Italy during the height of WWll.
A veteran of the broadcasting, financial service and corporate sustainability sectors, Bob Sheppard retired after leading the sales and marketing efforts for a small U.S. firm that manufactured commercial/industrial drones.
