Famed Tuskegee Airman watches inauguration with News13

Earl Adams, 87 watches Inauguration on News13

By: Thema Ponton | SCNow
Published: January 21, 2009

In the 1940’s, Earl Adams, 87, was a flight instructor for the famed Tuskegee Airmen, the country’s first black military pilots.

Tuesday, Adams invited News13 into his northern Horry County home while he watched the inauguration of Barack Obama, the 44th president.

Adams said after recent brain surgery, he wasn't sure if he was going to make it to this moment. "I'm seeing something that I didn't expect to see and when my sons called me and said at least you've lived long enough to see what we've been fighting for." Adams and the remaining members of The Tuskegee Airmen, who's racial and military struggles led to the eventual end of racial segregation in the military, were invited by President Obama himself to the Inauguration.

And while Adams said his health prevented him from making the trip, he feels he played a big role in President Obama's success. "I mean he's a smart person, I, just hope he's going to be able to do what he says he's going to do." Adams worries the struggling economy and his concerns about President Obama's safety, may keep him (Obama) from achieving his goals. But despite his concerns, Adams, who's no stranger to obstacles, said he is hopeful about the future.

Adams said, "We have so far to go and to say what happened to me years ago, is a waste of time, to me it's just a waste of time, you have to look forward." Adams said watching President Obama give his Inaugural speech is proof enough that his struggle was worth it.

Tuesday’s inauguration was not Adams’ first invitation to the nation’s capital; he is also a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Adams’ three sons followed in his footsteps and joined the Armed Forces. Two of them were in the Air Force and one was a Navy pilot.