Arthur Hicks, a former Tuskegee Airman, poses with a photo of his graduating class from pilot training and a Tuskegee Airman statuette, Nov. 7, 2014, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Veterans Day honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Robert J. Volio/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Arthur Hicks

Published Nov. 10, 2014
By Airman Robert J. Volio
30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg honors those who served and continue to serve.

Q: When did you begin serving? When did you retire?
A: I began serving in 1941 and served for 28 years. My service included being one of the Tuskegee Airmen and a Chief Master Sgt. before retiring here in Vandenberg in 1969.

Q: What was your job?
A: I began as an airplane mechanic and eventually trained to become a pilot after the attacks of Pearl Harbor.

Q: What is your current job?
A: I haven't worked since 1984 as an instructor at Allan Hancock College and Chapman University.

Q: What does Veterans Day mean to you?
A: It's a memorization of what we've done in order to maintain security for this nation, that's what it means to me. It helps us recall what the men and women who have served this country have contributed to this nation and still are contributing today.

Q: What does it mean to be a veteran yourself?
A: It causes veterans like me to recall just what we did and how this country has gotten to where it is today.

Q: What should Vandenberg Airmen reflect upon this upcoming Veterans Day?
A: They should reflect upon what our military has contributed to our history and what they will contribute to the future.