THOMASTON — Bob Sheppard, son of a member of one of the first African-American fighter air crews in the U.S. military, will share his father’s experiences as a Tuskegee Airman, Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m., at Thomaston Public Library. The Cushing Public Library is co-sponsoring this collaborative community event, which is free and open to the public.

Sheppard will present his short documentary, Reflections of Maine’s Tuskegee Airman, and will answer questions about his late father, James Sheppard, and the famed fighter group.

While growing up in the 1960s-70s, Sheppard and his siblings were unaware that their father had served in WWII with a segregated unit of the US Air Force. The 332nd Fighter Group, now known as The Tuskegee Airmen, were the first black pilots to fly combat aircraft. Initially, the unit was experimental, as many people thought that it would fail. However, the Airmen became known for their grit and determination, and were highly regarded by bomber crews for their vow never to abandon or leave unprotected the bombers they were escorting. The Tuskegee Airman earned their stripes, and served with distinction.

For further information, contact Wendy Roberts at wrobertsmaine63@gmail.com