The Department of Veterans Affairs recently paid tribute to retired Air Force Veteran Richard Toliver for his commendable 26 years of service. During his tenure, Toliver accumulated over 4,000 hours of flight time across Europe, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf, while also serving in Vietnam.

As reported by the Air Force Retiree Services, Toliver's journey began when he graduated from Tuskegee Institute University in January 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Following his graduation, Toliver embarked on his career with the Air Force in February 1963 as a project engineer.

Careers in the Military describes a project engineer's role within the Air Force as one that manages, organizes and plans engineering systems processes. This position is also responsible for advising management and staff on operations, procedures, and new business practices. The website further states that it typically takes an average training period of 9.5 weeks to become a project engineer, followed by an additional 14 days of technical training.

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After two years of rigorous training, Toliver became one of the first African American F-4 Phantom II pilots to serve under Tuskegee Airman General Daniel James. Throughout his service period, Toliver was deployed twice in Vietnam where he flew a total of 446 missions. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with 27 oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society reveals that in 2005 Toliver founded the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., serving as its inaugural president. The organization hosted a convention attended by over 1,500 guests in 2006. Additionally, Toliver played a significant role in leading a petition to Congress for awarding 300 surviving Tuskegee Airmen with the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal.