It's not often that you meet someone who has lived through the Great Depression, served during World War II and has lived to see our country elect its first African American president.
Students at Alfonza W. Davis Middle School in Omaha got the chance to ring in a special milestone with a man who's seen it all: Tuskegee Airman Robert Holts.
Robert Holts is the lone surviving member of Nebraska's Tuskegee Airmen - a group of all African American military aviators during the second World War. He celebrated his 92nd birthday with some help from the students at Davis Middle School.
Tuskegee Airman Robert Holts blew out the candles on his 92nd birthday cake amidst a serenade of enthusiastic voices.
Holts visits the school every year to impart some wisdom to the young from the young-at-heart.
"Just give them a knowledge of what kinds of things that they should be doing. what to study for to make an achievement of some kind in school," said Robert Holts, member of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Holts earned the honor of serving as a Tuskegee Airmen and with that, the distinctive red jacket, working as a draftsman. He drew up crucial documents during World War II.
"He just wanted to make a change and he risked some of his life to do stuff for us," said Esperanca Martinez, sixth grader.
Students greeted the famed airman as one one of their heroes. Davis Middle School has a unique tie to the renowned group of aviators.
"I'm going to ask him if he knew Alfonsa W. Davis because that's what our school is named after and if he does, that's going to be really cool," said Ashley Agosta, sixth grader.
And a birthday message to the students - Holts just wants the kids to realize the value of a strong education. and there's no limit to how high you can reach.
"I appreciate all you children being here and talking to me because it's really nice to meet you," said Holts. "And hope your future will be as good as you hope it to be."
Holts says he plans to celebrate many more birthdays to come with the students of Alfonza W. Davis Middle School.
