LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Lackland AFB was recently visited by the first American Volunteer Group, better known as the "Flying Tigers." Eight of the 19 living members from the group held a reunion at the base on May 9.
The Flying Tigers operated in 1941 and 1942 during World War II. They first saw action on Dec. 21, 1941, 14 days after the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese military.
The Flying Tigers were a group of United States Marines, Navy and Army pilots and ground crew that voluntarily left military service in order to aid the Chinese military in their conflict with Japan, under the authority of President Franklin Roosevelt.
"The Japanese were excellent fliers, and every time we met them we were outnumbered," said Ed Stiles, former flight crew chief of the group's 3rd Squadron that was stationed in Rangoon, Burma.
Mr. Stiles added that the conditions in China called for all of the members to get along at all times.
"It wasn't about liking one another. We worked together, so we had to like each other. And in the end, we all got along just fine," Mr. Stiles said.
The historical group has gained worldwide fame for their heroic efforts during World War II.
"They were my first heroes," said Bill Charles, an honorary guest of the Flying Tigers.
Born in Germany to a German mother and an American father, Mr. Charles quickly began learning the history of the Flying Tigers as soon as he learned English, and has traveled around the United States for chances to meet the group.
"They faced overwhelming odds and were still successful," Mr. Charles said. "It's kind of like a little league team taking on the New York Yankees and beating them. They represent the greatest of the American spirit."
During their visit, the Flying Tigers were treated to a basic military trainee graduation, a military working dog demonstration and a tour of Lackland's History and Traditions Museum, which featured an exhibit on the Flying Tigers.
Tech. Sgt. Patrick Alberts, a military training instructor from the 331st Training Squadron, talked about the pride he felt in his deceased grandfather, who was a member of the Flying Tigers.
"Growing up and knowing that history gives me a feeling of pride," Sergeant Alberts said. "It's amazing - my grandfather passed away a long time ago, but I can see him here with the Flying Tigers here today."
The military training instructor said that he often uses his grandfather as a way to motivate his trainees during the six-and-a-half weeks of BMT.
"One of the key words I use in training is pride, and in my opinion, you have to have pride in order to accomplish what it is you want to do," Sergeant Alberts said. "I tell my trainees that when you see a veteran, you know you are following in their footsteps to continue the fight. And they will appreciate you, and you should appreciate them as well."