Soaring Inspiration: The Journey of an Original Tuskegee Airman

Soaring Inspiration: The Journey of an Original Tuskegee Airman

Soaring Inspiration is the biography of Dr. Granville Coggs which covers his Arkansas roots and being chosen as a Tuskegee Airman during WWII. He was accepted to Harvard Medical School when it was rare for African-Americans to gain admission. He provides highlights of his career as a physician and inventor, and shares fitness advice gleaned from his track record as an award-winning senior athlete. His legacy is further illuminated by a moving account written by his daughter, Anita Coggs Rowell, on their experience at the inauguration of President Barack Obama. His family history is an American success story that offers an insightful look into African-American and United States history. An informative, emotional debut memoir about one family’s struggle to create a legacy of achievement for future generations. Coggs, an African-American Arkansas native, was one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, and he shares his experiences during the war and during the civil rights movement, providing a compelling account of tumultuous times. He particularly details how his commitment to learning provided him with a way to excel during his formative years. He trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field as a cadet and later attended Harvard Medical School and went on to a distinguished career as a radiologist and inventor. However, Coggs writes about how being a devoted husband and father was equally important in building a rich and meaningful life. His eldest daughter, Coggs Rowell, co-authored this family history and provides an additional perspective on her generation’s commitment to education, hard work and social justice. Coggs Rowell’s thoughtful essays offer a deep, emotional account of the many special times she’s spent with her father. For example, she writes about the personal impact of witnessing the inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009 when she and her father were distinguished guests of the White House, and about traveling to Star Wars director George Lucas’ sprawling Skywalker Ranch in California. Overall, the book highlights how the Coggs family treasures the legacy of Granville Coggs’ service to his country. Coggs shares his successes with a sense of humility and gratitude that will likely charm and engage readers. An inspirational family chronicle. Of the numerous awards and recognition Dr. Coggs has received, a prestigious highpoint came in 2007 when the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal, which is the nation's highest civilian honor. In 2001, Dr. Coggs was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame for his achievements as a medical specialist and inventor. He has won medals for running track in the Senior Games and is an inspirational speaker. Anita Coggs Rowell was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and received her MBA from San Francisco State University. She lives in Northern California with her husband and they have two adult daughters. Used Book in Good Condition