BOSTON (WHDH) - One of the last surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen was honored at Logan Airport Monday.
Gov. Charlie Baker presented Enoch O’Dell “Woody” Woodhouse II with several state militia honors while unveiling new murals, all in recognition for his work with the Tuskegee airmen, the first all-Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, a precursor to the U.S. Air Force.
Woodhouse enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17, and for the 70+ years that followed he served in various roles. As member of the Tuskegee Airmen 332nd Fighter Group at Lockbourne Army Airfield in Ohio, he served as the unit Finance Officer and Paymaster.
At the ceremony, Baker appointed Woodhouse to the State Militia as a Colonel and also promoted him to Brigadier General and Attaché of the Militia of the Commonwealth. The new title recognizes his expertise in military matters and allows him to serve as a representative of the state militia.
“We are proud to appoint Lieutenant Colonel Enoch O’Dell “Woody” Woodhouse II, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, to the State Militia as Colonel, and also promote him to Brigadier General and Attaché of the militia of the Commonwealth,” said Baker. “Thank you, Woody, for your incredible contributions to the Commonwealth, tireless leadership and unwavering service.”
The honor included two murals near the airport’s USO office in Terminal C, one specifically illustrating Woodhouse and his service to the country. One feature is a plaque with a QR code linking to more information about the legacy of the Tuskegee.
Liza Quiñonez and renowned street artist Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez both worked on the mural.
“I want people to feel pride, you know?” Victor Quiñonez said of the artwork. “I want people to feel the historic legacy that has been left behind by ‘Woody’ Woodhouse and the Tuskegee airmen.”
Woodhouse said he is happy with the recognition, but also with the impact this history will have on others.
“It’s really been an honor, to a kid from Roxbury,” he said. “To me this is not about me, but it’s about the possibility of America.”
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