Joint Base Andrews hosted the cast and creative team of Masters of the Air, along with World War II veterans, Department of the Air Force leaders, and service members for a reception and special screening of the series’ first episode.

Based on Donald Miller’s 2007 book of the same title, “Masters of the Air” follows Airmen of the Eighth Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group, commonly referred to as the “Bloody Hundredth,” as they conduct bombing raids over Nazi-occupied Germany and grapple with the conditions and lack of oxygen during combat conducted at 25,000 feet in the air.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall expressed his gratitude to everyone for taking part in this historic event at Joint Base Andrews, especially noting the three senior living B-17 Eighth Air Force officers in the room, as well as Tuskegee Airmen and other WWII veterans and family members.

“We got a lot of great participation today,” Kendall said. “We’re extremely grateful to have our veterans here today. These men fought in the most difficult air environment in history. They built a legacy that our current airmen and guardians hope to live up to every single day.”

Retired Air Force Maj John “Lucky” Luckadoo shared his own moment of recollection. After serving in WWII as a B-17 pilot in the 100th BG, he flew a total of 25 combat missions earning multiple honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross presented to recipients for acts of heroism while in aerial flight.

“I cannot tell you what a privilege it is to be in the august company of brass,” said Luckadoo, the 101-year-old who remains active in WWII remembrance events today.

“I was extremely fortunate to have been a member that is being memorialised in the film that you’ll be seeing, “The Masters of the Air.” It’s indeed an honour and a privilege, to be here – actually, it’s an honor to be anywhere.”
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