by Dan Perkins

In the battle to save Chicago's Meigs Field, those who oppose Mayor Daley's attempt to transform the airport into a park lost a passionate fighter.  On May 5, Andrew "Doc" Perez died at ManorCare Health Services in Oak Lawn, Illinois.  Dr. Perez, 82, was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and an outspoken opponent to the closing of Meigs Field on March 31st.  As a member of the Chicago "DODO" Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Perez was actively involved in the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles Program.  He enjoyed going to Meigs Field to introduce children to careers in aviation.  

He also loved telling others about the role of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.  Dr. Perez was among more than 900 airmen who became part of the "Great Experiment" to see if African Americans could support the nation's military operations.  After graduating from Tilden Technical High School in Chicago, Dr. Perez entered the U.S. Army Air Forces flight training program at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama  Dr. Perez became a radio equipment technician and earned his wings in gunnery.

After completing his military service, Dr. Perez received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and then a doctorate of optometry degree from the Monroe School, which later became part of the Illinois College of Optometry.  As an optometrist, patients and friends began affectionately calling Dr. Perez "Doc."

Always passionate about education, Dr. Perez taught math and science at Hyde Park Academy High School during the 1960s and 70s. 

Dr. Perez is survived by his wife, Bobbie.

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