Tuskegee Airman Thomas Vaughn celebrates 100th birthday in Little Rock

Thomas Vaughn, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, celebrated his 100th birthday Saturday at The Summit in Little Rock, surrounded by family and friends. Vaughn served with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, later served in the Korean War, and spent decades helping Arkansas farmers through his work in agriculture.

Family members at the gathering said the event honored both his military service and his long post-war career supporting farming communities. "He's a guy that's well loved by just about everybody in the community," said Ryan, Vaughn's son.

Ryan described his father as a longtime county agent who worked on horticulture and community agricultural programs, saying Vaughn balanced his professional responsibilities with being present for his family. The celebration was presented as a recognition of "a lifetime of service," family members said.

The gathering at The Summit brought together relatives and friends to mark the milestone; no additional public events or formal recognitions were announced in the report.