This year, the AFRO asked readers and supporters to submit information about the veterans in their lives and why they choose to honor them. Black veterans and their experiences are vital pieces of our nation’s history and we’re honored to highlight their stories. We thank our veterans for their bravery, their sacrifice and most importantly, their service.
Hon. Wilbur P. Trammell
- “My dad the Hon. Wilbur P. Trammell’s time in the Air Corp–now the Air Force– was relatively short, but yielded a powerful legacy among his children and grandchildren. Homeownership is a key to wealth building and service provided a pathway to homeownership.”
– Dana Peck
Arlen Watson Sr.
- “Arlen is a hardworking selfless man who is willing to give the very clothes off his back for others. He is always thinking of ways to bring joy to others, oftentimes, with his famous line ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Birthday’ on random days just to make others feel special.”
– Trenae Watson
Samuel Stackhouse
- “My husband served in the Marines and then the Army. He is a soldier at heart. He loves people and enjoys serving others.”
– Toni Boulware Stackhouse
Clarence Barber Jr.
- “There was no one like my father! In spite of his father being away on ships, majority of the time, Clarence Barber Jr., was an overachiever. Thanks to a mentor and his academic success (skipping two grades during a time that Latin was a required subject), my father was accepted and graduated from then Hampton Institute. During his time at Hampton, my father was drafted into the military. From Sept. 29, 1943 until honorably discharged on March 10, 1946, my father served stateside during World War II as a mechanic. After his service to the United States my father returned to Hampton graduating in 1948. From educator to architectural engineer my father was blessed during a time when most ‘negros’ were held up. But GOD was always with my father– from a young man getting into fights constantly, to a college graduate–always mentoring.”
– Lucille Coleman
Terrence Jones
- “My dad is my favorite veteran because of his courageous and open minded mindset. I admire everything my dad does for me and my family. I am so grateful of the job he does because is constantly putting himself at risk for my family. I will never stop saying how my dad will always be my favorite veteran.”
– Victoria Jones
Deyane Moses
- “Deyane Moses is one of the AFRO’s favorite veterans. She is the most thorough, reliable and caring teammate you could ask for. She is the best!”
– AFRO American Newspapers Staff
PFC Vashti Murphy Matthews and S1 Robert W. Matthews III
- Lieutenant Colonel Rodger Murphy Matthews served 25 years commanding various aviation and logistical units world wide, in addition to working in the Multinational Force during the First Gulf War. He chose to honor his parents in this week’s edition of the AFRO. Shown here, S1 Robert W. Matthews III, USCG in South Pacific during WWII, and PFC Vashti Murphy Matthews, member of the 6888 stationed in Europe during WWII.