
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 26, 1991                   TAG: 9102260335
SECTION: NATL/INTL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: The New York Times
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

BUSH PRAISES MILITARY FOR BENEFITS TO BLACKS

Responding to complaints that there are a disproportionate number of blacks in the Persian Gulf forces, President Bush on Monday called the American military "the greatest equal opportunity employer around" and praised black military heroes, living and dead.

"For two centuries, black soldiers have established a record of pride in the face of incredible obstacles," Bush said at a White House ceremony marking February as "black history month."

"We must tell stories of black successes to every child in our country because we need heroes," Bush said. "We need them as much as we need our dreams, and black Americans have always provided both."

During the ceremony, Bush hugged Gen. Colin Powell, the chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff and the highest ranking black officer in American military history, before a battery of news cameras. He described his trip to Ford's Theater last Thursday to see "Black Eagles," a play about black airmen in World War II, accompanied by Ben Payton, president of Tuskegee University.

With a group of red-jacketed Tuskegee Airmen, members of the black squadron that is the subject of the play, in attendance, Bush assured his audience in the White House East Room that he is "committed to civil rights and opportunity for every person in this great country."

Bush's speech drew loud applause from his audience, but mixed reviews from civil rights organizations. Some lauded Bush's sentiments, but argued that many blacks join the military because it represents their only chance for advancement.

by CNB