09/26/2025
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Colonel Hardy, the last living Tuskegee Airman, whom we had the pleasure and honor of knowing.
Our Squadron is devastated to announce the passing of one of the greatest men we've had the honor to know and love.
Lt. Col. George Hardy has flown West.
He is now back in the arms of his beloved wife, Bonnie.
A Combat Veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, George served this nation with incredible courage and tenacity, earning him the respect of everyone around him. George joined up at the age of 17 in 1943, making him one of the youngest Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen (DOTA). The litany of commendations associated with his service goes on and on.
However, that's not what George would want us to talk about.
You see, George was all about family and community.
He wasn't one for accolades, preferring for his time and energy to go to serving others.
He lamented not being able to get out more to work with youth, volunteer with his church, and act as a role model for kindness.
This past June, George celebrated his 100th birthday, a feat he and fellow Tuskegee Airman Dr. Harold Brown joked about frequently. In George fashion, he spent the day with close family and friends, being serenaded by birthday songs and read all of your kind messages. He was truly happy that day.
At Brig. Gen. Charles McGee's funeral, George asked one of our team members how to say goodbye in Cherokee. When it was explained there is no word for goodbye in many Indigenous languages and that the Cherokee say 'Donadagohvi' which means 'Until We Meet Again,' he looked over to Brig. Gen. McGee's casket and spoke those words.
It seems fitting that our words tonight are Donadagohvi- Until We Meet Again, George.
