Retired Sgt. Victor Butler, who was a mechanic for the Tuskegee Airmen, is asking for cards to mark a special birthday.
Butler now lives in Rhode Island and is turning 100 years old later this month on May 21. He is believed to be one of the last surviving Tuskegee airmen, a group of black military pilots who made history in World War II as they broke segregation barriers, after fellow Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee died in February at the age of 102."Being in Tuskeegee, Alabama, it wasn't very acceptable to white people for black soldiers to be walking around," Butler said.
The former Tuskegee Airman enjoys putting together puzzles, noting they are much calmer than fighting in war."At first, I was going to join the Canadian Air Force with a friend of mine, but after I had signed up my mother and father wouldn't approve of it," Butler said."So I joined with the American Air Force."
Although Butler has several awards documenting his achievements, he is asking for birthday cards from as many people as possible to help him celebrate his 100th birthday."It's just another day that's all," Butler said."Oh I'll read every one of them.” Birthday cards and wishes can be mailed to Victor W. Butler, in the care of Gary Butler at P.O. box 3523, Cranston, Rhode Island, 02910.