A memorial service for Tuskegee Airman, Maj (Ret) George Washington Biggs, who passed away on September 19 will be held at the World War II memorial at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza at the Arizona Capitol. The Friday morning event is being hosted by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services.
Maj (Ret) Biggs passed away at the age of 95. He was born in Nogales, Arizona.
Maj (Ret) Biggs was one of the last living Tuskegee Airmen in Arizona.
According to his obituary, Maj (Ret) Biggs “enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 at age 18, it was his second attempt to join up – he had been denied when he tried to enlist at age 16.”
Upon his retirement from the Air Force, Maj (Ret) Biggs became an agent for the U.S. Customs Service in Nogales, Arizona.
Maj (Ret) Biggs is survived by his wife, 10 children, 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
In 2007, Maj (Ret) Biggs was among the Tuskegee Airmen who were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Tuskegee Airmen were REAL LIFE super heroes-risking their lives for the USA in WWII. Over the weekend, Arizona lost one of these brave and courageous heroes when George Biggs (far right), passed away in Nogales. RIP George & THANK YOU for your tremendous service. @TAINational pic.twitter.com/Lc0fT6yLKh
— Jan Brewer (@GovBrewer) September 22, 2020
Saddened to hear of the passing of Arizona’s George Biggs, one of the last living Tuskegee Airmen. Today and every day, we’re grateful for his service and sacrifice to our country. https://t.co/HqRMVs4GU0
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) September 22, 2020
Praying for the family of George Washington Biggs, one of the last living Tuskegee Airmen from AZ, who passed away over the weekend. He was a brave soldier in WWII & one of the first African-American airmen in our military. We're grateful for his heroism. https://t.co/WtN8CHxjjA
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) September 22, 2020
George Washington Biggs is an Arizona and American hero. He lived a life of honor, service and devotion to our great country. My thoughts and prayers are with all the members of his family on his passing. https://t.co/eurtVWaG82
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) September 27, 2020
The Port of #Nogales, AZ sends our condolences to the family of George Washington Biggs. Before serving as a US Customs Inspector in Nogales, he flew B47 & B52 bombers in the Korean & Vietnam wars & earned numerous military awards for his achievements. Thank you for your service! https://t.co/JLWDMCXrak
— Port Director Michael W. Humphries (@CBPPortDirNOG) September 23, 2020