Congressman Crow Applauds Senate Passage of His Bill Naming Local VA Clinic After Colorado Hero

Bill Now Moves to the President's Desk for Signature

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) today applauded Senate passage of his bill to name the new Aurora VA community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) after Lieutenant Colonel John Mosley. Crow's bill was passed by the House in September by voice vote. Lieutenant Colonel Mosley, a Denver native who lived in Aurora, was a Tuskegee Airman, civil rights activist and the first black football player at Colorado State University.

"Lieutenant Colonel Mosley embodies the finest of what our country has to offer. I can't think of a better name for this new clinic in Aurora in recognition of his service, sacrifice, leadership, and the best of what we can be as a country," said Congressman Jason Crow. "Generations of Colorado veterans will walk through the doors of this clinic and know Colonel Mosley and his story. I'm humbled to name our new VA clinic after Colonel Mosley as we honor his legacy and provide our veterans and their families with top-quality care."

"From serving our country with the Tuskegee Airmen to becoming the first Black football player at Colorado State University, Lieutenant Colonel John Mosley represents the best of Colorado," said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. "Naming the Aurora VA clinic after Colonel Mosely will not only honor his incredible accomplishments, but will help ensure his story is carried on for our kids and grandkids. I'm grateful for Rep. Crow's work on this bill, and I'm glad we were able to get it over the finish line in the Senate today."

"We must honor and remember LTC John Mosley's leadership as a civil rights activist and Tuskegee Airman. The new Aurora VA clinic's dedication is a small token of our gratitude for his many contributions," said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper.

"Born the son of a slave, Dad fought hard to seize every opportunity…a trail-blazer throughout his entire life. He was the valedictorian of his graduating class at Manual H.S. and attended a segregated Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University) on an academic scholarship, becoming his class Vice President and the first African American in modern times to play on its football team. When our country entered the war in 1941, Dad sought to do his part by becoming one of the first black combat pilots in America. Though initially denied, he didn't stop until his request was approved. Never discouraged by adversity, he often said that ‘he had to fight in order to fight.' A pilot with the famed Tuskegee Airmen, he served his country with pride and distinction through three wars and continued his service after retiring from the military. Always in our hearts, he was and continues to be a champion for our family, our community and our nation. His legacy is an inspiration to us all," said Eric Mosley, son of LTC John Mosley.

"The Mosleys are deeply honored by the efforts of Representative Jason Crow and his team. The new out-patient clinic dedicated to our patriarch Lt. Col. John W. Mosley honors all veterans and serves as a beacon to those who value the selflessness and bravery of our service members past and present," said John Furtell, grandson of LTC Mosley.

"The Hubert L. "Hooks" Jones Chapter is honored to have John W. Mosley Documented Original Tuskegee Airman selected for this tribute. We are pleased to work with Congressman Crow on this project in efforts to rename the VA clinic after John W. Mosley. This tribute is another way our Chapter and the community keep our Tuskegee Legacy and mission alive… ‘Giving the Past a Future,'" said the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Hubert L. "Hooks" Jones Chapter.

Rep. Crow secured key endorsements for this effort from the VFW Department of Colorado, American Legion Department of Colorado, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Colorado, as well as support from the full Colorado congressional delegation.

See Rep. Crow's full remarks on the House floor honoring LTC Mosley.

See the full text of the bill here.

CBOCs are important ways the VA provides outpatient primary care, especially for veterans who would otherwise have to travel long distances to receive care at VA facilities. The Aurora CBOC is set to open in Summer 2022.

Background on Colonel Mosley:

After graduating as a National Merit Scholar and valedictorian at Manual High School, Lieutenant Colonel Mosley enrolled at what was then called Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, as one of only nine black students. He was named vice president of his college class as a junior and senior and became the first black football player in the record-keeping era.

Lieutenant Colonel Mosley fought hard to serve his country during WWII. He paid for his own flight physical and took flying lessons on his own. After being dispatched to a segregated artillery unit in Fort Sill, OK, he wrote letters to the White House and Congress until he became part of the Tuskegee Unit. The brave service of the Tuskegee Airmen helped pave the way for integration of the armed services. Lieutenant Colonel Mosley retired from the Air Force in 1970 after serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He went on to be special assistant to the undersecretary in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in Washington before returning to Colorado.

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