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Story Subject Category: Rantoul
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Theodore Freeman of Rantoul was a steward, serving officers in the mess hall on the USS Missouri. But when the enemy struck, he had to man his position on a gun mount and defend the ship. He was on board the USS Missouri when a Japanese kamikaze pilot crashed his plane into the ship very near to where Freeman was standing. He talked with WILL-TV producer Denise La Grassa about the challenges he faced as an African-American on board ship and about the conflict between his life as Pentecostal pastor before Pearl Harbor and his life as a sailor pledged to defend the country.
Segment duration: 06:23
Producer: Denise La Grassa
Editor: Eleanore Stasheff
This segment is filed in these categories: History • Military • World War II • Rantoul
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Producer Denise La Grassa talks with Tuskegee Airman Col. Elmer Jones, one of six original aviation cadets for the Tuskegee Airmen trained at Chanute Field in Rantoul. Jones, who became ground crew commander, was proud to serve his country in aircraft engineering during World War II, even though he served in an all-black unit. He maintains that being in a segregated unit provided an unexpected opportunity for the Tuskegee Airmen. They were able to prove their abilities at a time when people questioned whether African Americans should be allowed to fly and maintain planes. “They proved they were as good as white fighter pilots,” said LaGrassa. “World War II was really the beginning of the civil rights movement.”
Segment duration: 08:12
Producer: Denise La Grassa
Editor: Eleanore Stasheff
This segment is filed in these categories: Illinois Culture/History • Military • World War II • Rantoul
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I knew of the Tuskegee Airmen, and that they integrated the military. But prior to covering the grand opening of an exhibit in Rantoul last year, I had no idea about their roots in this area. Before they trained in Alabama, more than 200 members of the 99th Pursuit Squadron got their start at Chanute Air Force Base. The metal mechanics, armors, and other ground support crew workers formed the foundation of the Tuskegee Airmen. Some of the first to train in Rantoul, as well as staff members at that site – now the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum – played a large role in making this story possible, by providing their descriptions and photos. Props as well to Chauncey E. Spencer II, whose father played a role in tearing down the barriers that kept African-Americans from serving as pilots (Chauncey Jr. provided some photos, as well as an archived interview with his late father.)
I hope Chanute gets a lot more attention for its role in making all this happen. The story of the 99th is as important as any other highlighting the pilots’ achievements during World War II.
Segment duration: 07:26
Producer: Jeff Bossert
This segment is filed in these categories: Ethnicity/Culture • History • Illinois Culture/History • Military • Rantoul
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Segment duration: 06:41
Producer: Alison Davis Wood
This segment is filed in these categories: Arts/Culture • Rantoul
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Prairie Fire goes to Rantoul to look at the creation of museum displays by Taylor Studios. The company works with museums around the country building replicas of dinosaur eggs, bones and other objects. The Spurlock Museum on the University of Illinois campus features displays made by the company.
Segment duration: 06:41
Producer: Alison Davis Wood
This segment is filed in these categories: Arts/Culture • Cinema/Theaters/Film • Rantoul
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Host Alison Davis takes viewers to Gordyville U.S.A. near Rantoul, where she took part in a media team penning contest. Davis, who hadn’t been on a horse since she was 10, never got near the cows she was supposed to help pen. Just trying to stay in the saddle was enough of a challenge. “Stay between her ears and her tail and you’ve got it made,” the announcer advises Davis as she hangs on for dear life.
Segment duration: 07:20
Producer: Alison Davis
This segment is filed in these categories: Illinois Culture/History • Livestock/Animals/Zoology • Rantoul
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Viewers watch Jim Belcher, a tattoo artist in Rantoul, practice his craft. Belcher is also an expert on the history and art of tattooing.
Segment duration: 06:51
Producer: Alison Davis
This segment is filed in these categories: Arts/Culture • Rantoul
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