Political Quotes

“I rise today to support legislation that would rename local post offices in California to honor the life and legacy of two Californians. The first bill, led by Congresswoman Katie Porter, would designate the Northwood Post Office in Irvine, CA, as the ``Tuskegee Airman Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Friend Memorial Post Office Building.'' Lieutenant Colonel Friend was among the 355 pilots who served in the all African-American unit known as the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. During his military career, Lieutenant Colonel Friend fought in 142 combat missions and served as an operations officer for both the 301st Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group. He received various military awards, such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit Citation, and Air Medal. In 2007, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, along with the rest of the Tuskegee Airmen. After retiring from military service, Lieutenant Colonel Friend worked on the development of missile systems and space station components in Irvine, CA. He continued to participate in speaking and educational engagements about his experience with the Tuskegee Airmen into his 90s. Lieutenant Colonel Friend died in 2019 in Long Beach, CA, at the age of 99. He exemplified all that it is to be a public servant by devoting his life to his country as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and further serving his country after his military career ended.…”