The REC Team: Regular Everyday Citizens

03/10/2025

VFW Post 3480

02/06/2025

Brigadier General Hazel Johnson Brown
First Black Woman General - United States Army

Nurse, educator, and Army leader Hazel Johnson-Brown overcame adversity to become the first Black female general and first Black chief of the United States Army Nurse Corps. She served in many leadership roles throughout her accomplished career. Her love of medicine and education helped diversify the Army Nurse Corps and created enduring nursing education practices.

From a young age, Hazel Johnson wanted to be a nurse. Born in 1927, the daughter of farmers grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She worked hard and excelled at school with the goal of attending nursing school. Upon graduating from high school in the last 1940s, however, West Chester School of Nursing rejected her admission due to her race. It was not uncommon for institutions to limit or bar acceptance of people of color in this period. This prejudice affected Johnson throughout her life, though in her own words, “race is an incidence of birth.” Johnson moved to New York to train at the Harlem Hospital School of Nursing, a school specifically for Black women. She trained in Harlem for several years before returning to her family in Pennsylvania. There, she found a job at the Philadelphia Veterans Association. Through this position, she became familiar with the Army Nurse Corps. The travel and opportunities offered by the Army Nurse Corps intrigued her, and she enlisted in 1955. Only seven years earlier, the Army Nurse Corps was racially integrated when President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981.

Johnson-Brown spent her career serving both the Army Nurse Corps and her Pennsylvania community. During her first tour, she served in the 8169th Hospital in Camp Zama, Japan. Upon her return to the United States in 1957, Johnson-Brown left the Army and returned to her role at the Philadelphia Veterans Association. She then completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Nursing from Villanova University. While doing so, Johnson-Brown committed to the Army Nurse Corps’ Registered Nurse Student Program. She returned to active duty at Madigan General Hospital (now Madigan Army Medical Center) in Washington state upon her graduation in 1959.

After returning to active duty, Johnson served in several leadership roles in the Army Nurse Corps. She transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where she worked from 1960 to 1962. Having discovered a love of education, she attended Columbia University Teachers College. There, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education. Johnson’s passion for teaching continued for the rest of her career. She trained nurses for service both in the operating room and in combat medical tents in Vietnam. The Army sponsored Johnson’s Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration degree from Catholic University in 1973. While earning her degree, Johnson became director and assistant dean of Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing. After a tour as chief nurse in Seoul, South Korea, she earned a historic promotion in 1979. The Army nominated her to serve as the Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Brig. Gen. Johnson was the third female general and first Black female general in the Army, at a time when white nurses outnumbered Black nurses 12 to 1 in the United States. This indicated a continuation of the racial discrimination Johnson-Brown experienced while applying for nursing school 30 years earlier.

Aware of this imbalance and its consequences, Johnson used her role and influence to improve equality in the Army Nurse Corps. She developed scholarships for ROTC nurses and encouraged enlistment by offering summer nursing clinical camps for ROTC cadets to increase diversified enrollment. She also drafted the first Army Nurse Corps Standards of Practice, a standardization of procedures for Army nurses. Later, Johnson established Army nursing conferences to facilitate sharing nursing research, promoting and publicizing the work of nurses.

She was briefly married to David Brown in the early 1980s. Johnson-Brown retired in 1983, but continued to set standards in the nursing field. She taught at the nursing schools of Georgetown University and George Mason University throughout the 1980s. During her time teaching at George Mason, she helped found the Center for Health Policy, Research, and Ethics, an institution that continues to promote independent research. The veteran served the Army yet again in 1990. While many of its employees were deployed to Iraq, she volunteered at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.

Johnson-Brown’s legacy in nursing education was well-rewarded and continues to live on. Among the many awards she received are the Distinguished Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal. She earned the title “Army Nurse of the Year” twice. In the words of her West Chester peers, she “rose above the many barriers facing African American women and men in the last century.” Johnson-Brown spent the last years of her life living with her sister, Gloria, in Wilmington, Delaware. She passed away in 2011. Upon her death, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Joint Resolution in her honor commending her “significant contributions to the nursing profession and her dedication to the U.S Army.” She is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

02/05/2025

🪖 51st Defense Battalion, United States Marine Corp 🪖 Day 4

The 51st Defense Battalion was the first African American unit in the U.S. Marine Corps, formed during World War II at a time when racial segregation dominated the military. Its history is deeply tied to the struggle for racial equality, as Black Marines faced systemic discrimination despite their service and sacrifices. The battalion’s establishment, service, and legacy played a crucial role in breaking racial barriers within the Marine Corps and set the stage for the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military.

Before 1941, African Americans were barred from enlisting in the Marine Corps, making it the last branch of the armed forces to integrate. The U.S. military had long upheld segregationist policies, arguing that Black soldiers were unfit for service beyond menial labor roles. However, as the United States prepared for World War II, pressure from civil rights organizations and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 8802, which banned racial discrimination in defense industries, forced the Marine Corps to change its stance. Although Marine leadership resisted, the 51st Defense Battalion was officially formed in 1942 as an anti-aircraft and coastal defense unit, marking a significant but reluctant step toward inclusion.

Despite being enlisted as Marines, the men of the 51st faced extensive racism and discrimination throughout their service. Their training was held separately from white Marines at Montford Point, North Carolina, rather than at the traditional facilities at Parris Island or San Diego. At Montford Point, they endured harsh conditions, inadequate supplies, and an environment designed to discourage them from completing their training. Many white officers and enlisted men openly doubted their abilities, believing that African Americans were inherently unsuited for combat roles. As a result, the Marine Corps initially limited them to defensive positions rather than allowing them to participate in front-line combat.

Even within the battalion, opportunities for leadership were restricted. White officers were placed in command positions, while Black Marines were often relegated to lower ranks despite their qualifications. Promotion opportunities were scarce, and many Black Marines were assigned to manual labor rather than military operations. This systemic racism extended beyond the battlefield, as Black Marines stationed in southern bases often faced discrimination and segregation in surrounding communities. Many were denied access to public facilities, harassed by civilians, and even assaulted for attempting to exercise basic rights that their white counterparts took for granted.

Despite these challenges, the 51st Defense Battalion proved its effectiveness through rigorous training and dedication. Although it never engaged in direct combat, the unit played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, defending strategically important islands from potential air and naval attacks. Their success in these roles helped to challenge the prevailing belief that Black Marines were incapable of handling combat responsibilities. By 1944, attitudes within the military had begun to shift slightly, leading to greater integration of Black Marines into other units. The battalion’s performance, along with the accomplishments of other African American service members, demonstrated the need for a more inclusive and effective military.

The impact of the 51st Defense Battalion extended far beyond its wartime service. As the war ended, the question of racial integration in the armed forces gained national attention. In 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which mandated the desegregation of the U.S. military. While resistance persisted within the Marine Corps, the contributions of the 51st and other Black service members made it increasingly difficult to justify segregation. By 1949, the Marine Corps officially began integrating African American Marines into its ranks, marking a significant turning point in military history.

The legacy of the 51st Defense Battalion is a testament to the perseverance and resilience of African American Marines who served despite facing institutionalized racism. Their presence in the Marine Corps helped pave the way for future generations of Black Marines, who would go on to serve in every capacity, including leadership roles. In recognition of their sacrifices and contributions, the Montford Point Marines, including members of the 51st, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.

The story of the 51st Defense Battalion highlights the deep racial injustices that permeated the U.S. military while also serving as a powerful example of triumph over adversity. The battalion’s members fought not only for their country but also for the right to serve with dignity and respect. Their struggle and achievements laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable military, ensuring that future generations of Marines would be judged by their abilities rather than the color of their skin.

02/04/2025

⚓️The Golden Thirteen ⚓️ Day 3

The Golden Thirteen were the first African American officers commissioned in the United States Navy during World War II. Prior to their commissioning, the Navy had largely restricted Black service members to menial roles such as mess attendants and stewards. However, as the need for manpower grew during the war, pressure from civil rights groups and government officials led the Navy to initiate an officer training program for Black sailors in 1944.

Thirteen enlisted men were selected from a group of 16 candidates to undergo an intensive training course at Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois. Despite facing systemic racism and segregation, these men excelled in their studies, achieving some of the highest scores ever recorded in the Navy’s officer candidate school. Upon completion of their training, they were commissioned as ensigns and became known as the Golden Thirteen.

Their commissioning was a historic milestone, but their challenges did not end there. Unlike their white counterparts, they were not given command positions or assignments that matched their skills. Instead, they were placed in administrative and training roles, where their authority was often undermined by racist policies and attitudes. Nevertheless, their presence in the officer ranks challenged the Navy’s long-standing racial barriers and laid the groundwork for further integration.

Following the war, the Golden Thirteen continued to fight for racial equality within and outside the military. Some remained in the Navy, advocating for greater inclusion and opportunities for Black service members, while others pursued successful civilian careers, influencing public policy and civil rights activism. Their legacy was instrumental in shaping the Navy’s eventual decision to desegregate, culminating in President Harry Truman’s Executive Order 9981 in 1948, which mandated full integration of the armed forces.

The contributions of the Golden Thirteen were formally recognized decades later, as the Navy and the nation acknowledged their role in breaking racial barriers. In 1987, a commemorative plaque was dedicated to them at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and their legacy continues to inspire efforts toward diversity and equality in the U.S. military. Their courage, perseverance, and excellence serve as a testament to their enduring impact on both the Navy and American history.

The Golden Thirteen, the first African-American U.S. Navy Officers. Photographed 17 March 1944. They are (bottom row, left to right): Ensign James E. Hare, USNR; Ensign Samuel E. Barnes, USNR; Ensign George C. Cooper, USNR; Ensign William S. White, USNR; Ensign Dennis D. Nelson, USNR; (middle row, left to right): Ensign Graham E. Martin, USNR; Warrant Officer Charles B. Lear, USNR; Ensign Phillip G. Barnes, USNR; Ensign Reginald E. Goodwin, USNR; (top row, left to right): Ensign John W. Reagan, USNR; Ensign Jesse W. Arbor, USNR; Ensign Dalton L. Baugh, USNR; Ensign Frank E. Sublett, USNR. Courtesy of Surface Warfare Magazine, 1982.

02/03/2025

✈️ 🇺🇸 THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN 👨🏾‍✈️👨🏽‍✈️

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps (AAC), the precursor to the U.S. Air Force. Their formation was part of an experimental program initiated in 1941 to assess the ability of Black men to serve as combat pilots. Training took place at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, and the program included not just pilots but also navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, and support personnel. Over 16,000 men and women participated in various capacities, marking a significant milestone in U.S. military history.

Despite widespread racism and skepticism from military leadership, the Tuskegee Airmen proved to be highly skilled and effective in combat. The 99th Fighter Squadron, the first to be deployed overseas, was sent to North Africa in 1943, where they flew P-40 Warhawks. Later, the 332nd Fighter Group, which included the 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons, was formed. These pilots later transitioned to flying P-51 Mustangs, distinguished by their red-painted tails, earning them the nickname "Red Tails." The Tuskegee Airmen became especially renowned for their bomber es**rt missions over Europe. Unlike many other units, they had an exceptional record of protecting bombers from enemy aircraft, a crucial factor in the success of U.S. air operations. Their combat record included over 15,000 sorties flown, the destruction or damage of more than 260 enemy aircraft, and the sinking of a German destroyer using only machine-gun fire. For their service, they earned 850 medals, including the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross.

In addition to their battlefield contributions, the Tuskegee Airmen faced and fought against racism within the U.S. military. Many military leaders initially believed that Black pilots were inferior and incapable of serving effectively in combat. Consequently, they were initially denied combat roles, and even after proving their capabilities, they continued to experience segregation on military bases. One notable act of resistance was the Freeman Field Mutiny in 1945, when Black officers protested their exclusion from the officers' club at Freeman Field in Indiana. More than 100 were arrested in this act of civil disobedience, marking an early stand against racial discrimination in the military.

After World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen returned to a country that still practiced segregation and discrimination, despite their heroic contributions. Many struggled to find employment in the aviation industry, which remained largely closed to Black Americans. However, their achievements played a key role in influencing President Harry Truman’s decision to issue Executive Order 9981 in 1948, which mandated the desegregation of the U.S. military. This was a critical step toward racial equality in the armed forces and American society as a whole.

Many of the Tuskegee Airmen continued to serve in the newly established U.S. Air Force, with some rising to high-ranking positions. Others transitioned into civilian careers, where they became educators, activists, and leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. Their legacy inspired generations of African Americans to pursue careers in aviation and military service, breaking racial barriers in fields that had long been closed to them.

For many years, the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen were overlooked. However, in recent decades, their role in U.S. history has received the recognition it deserves. In 2007, they were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. Their story was further popularized in the 2012 film "Red Tails," which dramatized their combat missions and struggles against racism. In 2016, surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen were invited to attend the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States, a testament to the progress they helped inspire.

The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is one of courage, perseverance, and triumph against adversity. Their outstanding service in World War II not only contributed to the Allied victory but also played a crucial role in challenging racial discrimination within the military and beyond. Their fight for equality paved the way for future generations and remains an enduring symbol of resilience and excellence in American history.

02/02/2025

⚔️ THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS 🦬 Day1

The Buffalo Soldiers, African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army from the post-Civil War era through the early 20th century, endured not only physical hardships in battle but also profound racism and discrimination both within the military and in society at large. Their experience exemplifies the broader struggles faced by Black Americans during a time of intense racial segregation and prejudice. Despite their invaluable contributions to U.S. military history, the Buffalo Soldiers encountered systemic racism that shaped their military service, their social standing, and their post-service lives.

From the outset, the creation of the Buffalo Soldier regiments was an act shaped by racial considerations. The 1866 Congressional Act that established the African American regiments was a direct result of post-Civil War efforts to incorporate Black soldiers into the military, but the racial hierarchy within the army was firmly entrenched. African Americans were assigned to segregated units, which were commanded by white officers. These white officers were often chosen not for their competence but because of the racial thinking of the time, which assumed Black soldiers could not be trusted with leadership positions.

In this context, many Buffalo Soldiers faced the double burden of not only serving as soldiers in a hostile and racially charged environment but also being subjected to the authority of officers who were often dismissive of their abilities and dehumanizing in their treatment. Racial prejudices among white officers were widespread, and the soldiers had to contend with subpar treatment from those meant to lead them. Their skills and bravery were often downplayed, even as they proved themselves in battles and dangerous frontier duty.

The Buffalo Soldiers are most famous for their role in the Indian Wars of the late 19th century. They were tasked with defending U.S. settlers and infrastructure, as well as engaging in combat with Native American tribes resisting westward expansion. Despite their critical role in the success of the U.S. military in these wars, the soldiers faced racist attitudes from both Native Americans and white settlers.

Native American tribes, for example, often referred to Black soldiers as “buffalo soldiers” in a derogatory manner, perhaps due to the soldiers' dark skin, hair texture, and fierce demeanor, which mirrored the buffalo. While the term "buffalo soldier" has since been reclaimed as a badge of honor, it was initially a symbol of otherness and racial segregation. Moreover, the Buffalo Soldiers often found themselves on the frontlines of dangerous and brutal conflicts, subjected to the harshest conditions. They were often tasked with clearing rough terrain, building military infrastructure, or serving as scouts in places where racial animosities ran high.

Many white settlers viewed the Buffalo Soldiers with suspicion and hostility. There were widespread beliefs in the superiority of white settlers over Native Americans and African Americans, and this prejudice extended to the soldiers. Despite proving themselves on the battlefield, the Buffalo Soldiers were rarely recognized for their accomplishments. On occasion, their military successes were attributed to their white commanders or overshadowed by the heroism of white units, such as Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, who fought alongside the Buffalo Soldiers in the Spanish-American War.

Beyond the military, the Buffalo Soldiers also faced significant social and civilian discrimination. Racial segregation was an entrenched part of American society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Black soldiers in uniform were often targets of scorn, intimidation, and violence. Many white citizens resented the presence of African American soldiers, especially in the Western frontier, where the idea of Black men in military service challenged existing racial hierarchies.

The Buffalo Soldiers were frequently the subjects of racial violence and discrimination, both from white civilians and from local law enforcement. White citizens often treated Black soldiers with disdain, belittling their status as soldiers and reinforcing the view that African Americans were inferior. The soldiers’ sense of dignity was constantly undermined by these daily indignities, which ranged from being refused service at businesses to being subjected to public insults. In many cases, Black soldiers were expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct, refraining from confrontation even when provoked by racist insults and physical threats.

Additionally, the Buffalo Soldiers were often isolated in remote outposts and frontier forts, where they had limited opportunities for social interaction with civilians. In these isolated settings, the soldiers faced even more pronounced racism from those few white individuals they encountered, and their duties were often more grueling than those of their white counterparts, simply because of racial animosity and a desire to "keep them in their place."

One of the most significant ways in which racism manifested itself was through the military's system of discipline. Black soldiers were frequently subjected to harsher punishments than white soldiers for similar offenses. This often took the form of more severe sentences for infractions or even the unjust ex*****on of soldiers under questionable circumstances. For example, the 25th Infantry was involved in the notorious 1917 Houston Riot, which occurred after tensions between Black soldiers and local white civilians escalated. After the incident, 13 soldiers were executed, and many others were sentenced to life imprisonment, despite limited evidence that they had instigated the violence.

The incident reflected the broader pattern of racial injustice in the military, where African American soldiers could be treated as expendable, especially when tensions between Black soldiers and white civilians or officers flared. Even during periods of high praise for their battlefield success, African American soldiers could still be accused of crimes or misconduct in a manner that was disproportionate to their actions, further highlighting the institutionalized racism they faced within the army.

The Army, like the rest of American society at the time, was deeply segregated. The Black regiments were kept separate from their white counterparts, and the soldiers were frequently relegated to the worst accommodations and living conditions. They were given the most arduous tasks, such as building roads, constructing forts, and clearing terrain, while their white peers were more likely to be assigned to less physically demanding duties.

Moreover, the lack of leadership opportunities within the Black regiments added to the sense of frustration and resentment. The few officers who led the Black regiments were generally chosen for their racial background rather than their competence, and many of these officers were ill-prepared to lead. Some officers had no interest in the welfare of their troops, and as a result, Black soldiers often received inadequate training and supplies, further adding to their hardships.

When the Buffalo Soldiers left the military, their struggles with racism did not end. Veterans of the Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War returned home to face a society that was still rigidly segregated. African American soldiers found themselves unable to use their military service as a stepping stone to better jobs, education, or civil rights. The systemic racism that had marked their time in uniform continued to affect their post-service lives.

Many Buffalo Soldiers faced difficulty finding work after they left the military, as African Americans were often excluded from better-paying jobs and opportunities for advancement. Veterans who had fought in foreign wars, such as the Spanish-American War, were often denied the same recognition and rewards as their white counterparts. Some Buffalo Soldiers were able to find civilian work in areas such as law enforcement or as park rangers in national parks, but these opportunities were limited and came with their own set of racial prejudices.

Despite these hardships, the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers is one of resilience and perseverance. The soldiers’ commitment to duty and bravery in the face of overwhelming racism made them symbols of courage and strength. Over time, their contributions were increasingly recognized, culminating in efforts to honor their service during the Civil Rights movement and in the late 20th century. While the Buffalo Soldiers’ achievements were often overshadowed by racial prejudices and marginalization, their story is one of overcoming adversity and challenging the racial norms of their time.

The hardships faced by the Buffalo Soldiers are an integral part of the history of both African Americans and the United States military. Their legacy is a reminder of the long battle for racial equality and the vital role that African American soldiers played in shaping the history of the United States, even as they faced systemic racism and exclusion at every turn.

02/02/2025

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

In spite of our nations new leaderships attempt to devalue the contributions of Foundational Black Americans, this years will focus on African American contributions to the US Military and Government.

05/09/2024