VBHM5@QMHS - JROTC - The Captain "Hell Roaring" Mike Healy Wing

The

Captain "Hell Roaring" Mike Healy

Wing of Military Excellence

Curated by Queens Metropolitan High School's JROTC

Welcome to The Captain "Hell Roaring" Mike Healy Wing of Military Excellence!

Visit the link to the right to learn more about Captain "Hell Roaring" Mike Healy, the most famous captain in Coast Guard History.

Captain “Hell Roaring’” Mike Healy—Tamer of America’s Western Sea Frontier - NOAA Ocean ExplorationBorn in 1839 on a plantation near Macon, Georgia, Healy was the son of a white plantation owner and a slave. Healy became the first U.S. sea service officer of African descent and the first to command a federal ship. His career tied him to the taming of America’s western maritime frontier, earned him the nickname “Hell Roaring” Mike Healy, and made him the most famous captain in Coast Guard history.

Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American pilots in the United States Army Air Forces. They trained in Tuskegee, Alabama during World War II, at a time when the military was still segregated.

Why They Matter

Even though they faced discrimination and unfair treatment, the Tuskegee Airmen proved themselves through their hard work, discipline, and skill. They are especially known for escorting bomber missions and earning a strong reputation for protecting the aircraft they flew with.

Impact and Legacy

The success of the Tuskegee Airmen helped change how African Americans were viewed in the military. Their achievements contributed to the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces and inspired future generations to pursue careers in aviation and the military.

Buffalo Soldiers

Buffalo Soldiers were African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War. The name “Buffalo Soldiers” was given to them by Native American tribes as a sign of respect.

Photo from Blackpast.org

Role in History

Buffalo Soldiers served in many roles, including cavalry units. They also played an important part in protecting U.S. National Parks in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Their duties included patrolling the land, enforcing rules, and helping maintain the parks.

Unique Contribution

One interesting example of their service is their use of bicycle patrols in National Parks during the 1930s. This showed their adaptability and commitment to their mission.

Impact and Legacy

Buffalo Soldiers helped shape the early foundation of the National Park Service and made lasting contributions to the preservation of public lands, even while serving during a time of racial discrimination

Sources and Research

● National Park Service (Buffalo Soldiers history)

● Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

● National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (Tuskegee Airmen)

● U.S. Army and Department of Defense historical archives

● Primary source materials provided by JROTC