They were lifelong friends who shared so many experiences. They enlisted as Tuskegee Airmen together, were sent overseas together, worked as mechanics together and experienced the irony of racism from the country they were willing to lay down their lives for. Ultimately, their lives would end on the very same day.

Clarence E. Huntley Jr. and Joseph Shambrey passed away on January 5, both in their Los Angeles homes surrounded by family, both at the age of 91.

They were members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the all-black squadron of fighter pilots in World War II, a group that served their country with such distinction and honor that many credit them with helping to open the eyes of the military and the nation. Their simple determination to do their duty resulted in breaking barriers of racism.

Since then, some surviving Tuskegee Airmen have made it their mission to tell their story. Their message is one of pride, courage and loyalty even in the most trying of circumstances.

Growing Bolder has long been in awe of their contributions, both then and now. We are proud to help keep the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen alive in this video that shows what happened when three Airmen got together to speak to a hangar full of students.