Retired lieutenant general speaks at Warren

  • Published
  • By By Airman Alex Martinez
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, who retired June 5 and is the former director of the Air National Guard, visited Warren Feb. 21 to celebrate African-African History Month by giving a speech in the base theater. 

General James, son of Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., who was the first African-American four-star general in the Air Force, spoke to Warren members, touching on key success points that have helped him throughout his career and life. 

General James talked about the three "C's" the Tuskegee Airmen possessed: competence, courage and commitment. 

"A lot can be learned from the Tuskegee Airmen and all that they have accomplished," General James said. 

General James' father attended the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama where he trained pilots from the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the all African-American squadron during World War II. 

"Growing up in the house of Chappie and Dottie (General James' mother), I lived by the standards set for me which include preparation, proficiency, service, patriotism and perseverance," General James said. 

The importance of African-American History Month is high whether in the military or civilian world. 

"African-American History Month is important because it's important in understanding the awareness of diversity," General James said. "The more you know about the history of one's group, the more complete you will be in knowing your own." 

In his 38-year career, General James has seen many changes in the military and race relations. 

"[Race relations] have improved dramatically," General James said. "We're not quite there yet, but we have come a long way. We live in a very visible society, and when we see somebody of the same race in the military, we tend to look and see what rank they are or how much higher they are than you and think, 'How can I get to that point?'"
General James said the future looks bright for the next "great generation."