Riggio wanted to honor former Mars resident and World War II veteran Carl J. Woods Jr., who was born in Mars in 1923 and whose parents were employed at Trees Farm and lived in a house on the property. Woods attended and played football at Mars High School (1938-1941).
Woods spent two years at Pennsylvania State College before registering for the draft in June 1942. In March 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and completed flight training at the 66th Flying Training Detachment at Tuskegee, Ala.
Upon receiving his wings in the April 1944, the Tuskegee Airman was deployed to Italy with the 100th Fighter Squadron, a part of the 332nd Fighter Group. In October 1944, on a mission to Austria, his plane disappeared over the Adriatic Sea and 21-year-old was reported presumed dead and MIA, a designation that remains in place today.
“I first learned about Woods through the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial at the Pittsburgh International Airport. I was shocked to learn that one was from my hometown of Mars,” says Riggio. “It surprised me that this local hero was never talked about. Through my project, I hope to bring awareness to this unsung hero.”
During a special ceremony on March 29, Riggio unveiled a plaque honoring Carl J. Woods Jr. outside of Mars VFW Post 7505. Members of Pine-Richland/Mars Area U.S. Air Force JROTC presented the colors and speakers include State Rep. Stephanie Scialabba, Butler County Commissioner Kim Geyer, and Mars Borough Mayor Greg Hartung.
“Scouting has taught me the importance of looking at the leaders and role models of the past to help guide my future,” says Riggio. “I want to make sure we not only remember who (Woods) was and what he sacrificed; but, allow his story to be an inspiration to others."
For more information, visit https://tuskegeewpa.org/.