The Black civilians were told in the beginning, that they would replace the white department heads once they became qualified. At the start, they were thrust into the work having received no formal training. The roles these men and women played in supporting the recruits was vital to the success of these future pilots. The responsibility they carried on their backs was a heavy weight to bare. Though they knew of the challenges which lie before them, they did not all agree on how to overcome them. There were steady reminders that there was a war going on, and there was only one-side. And if you didn’t know what that side was, then you were on the wrong side. It was truly an important time in history, but one that was all too familiar. One man almost did not make the trip, arriving with just a suitcase in hand bringing all he owned and was just looking for more.