The first African-American Pilot from Arcadia, Louisiana; Mr. Graham flew two tours over Vietnam in 1967.
He was a military pilot for 24 years before retiring Lieutenant Colonel!
Hear this inspirational story of his missions, his dreams and aspirations, and his brilliance.
What an extraordinary story!!
Billy G. Graham a native of Arcadia, Louisiana, now resides in Ruston, Louisiana. Billy is a
graduate of Crawford High School, Arcadia, Louisiana. He did his undergraduate work at Southern
University, Baton Rouge, where he received the Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. He did
advance studies at the following institutions: Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas
(M.E. degree in counseling); the Command and General Staff College, Fort Levenworth, Kansas
(Master’s degree equivalent); and a Certificate in Theology, Interdenominational Theological Center,
Atlanta, Georgia.
His professional training and experience consists of the following: Commissioned officer, United
States Army (retired Lieutenant Colonel); Military Pilot for twenty-four years; commercial pilot’s
license from the Federal Aviation Administration.
He was an instructor in military science at Bishop College, Dallas, Texas; a mathematics
instructor at Grambling State University and is a retired teacher for Lincoln Parish School
System, Ruston, Louisiana.
Billy has served two combat tours in Vietnam, two in Europe and lived 17 years over seas.
The number of honors and awards received during his military experience are many, such as
Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC); Air Medal with 22 OLC; Army Commendation Medal
with 2 OLC; Meritorious Service Medal with 4 OLC; National Defence Service Medal with 1 OLC;
Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Star; Vietnam Air Service Medal (Honor Class) Vietnam Cross
of Gallantry with Palm; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 OLC;
Oversea Service Ribbon with 3 OLC; Army Service Ribbon; Senior Aviation Badge; Aviation
Service Award presented by the Famed Tuskegee Airmen Association and other awards and honors.
He is a member of the Ludley McCall Williams American Legion Post No. 593 - Grambling, LA,
and a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, which are reflective of his contributions to mankind.
He is a devoted Christian, and a member of St. Duty C.M.E. Church in Arcadia, Louisiana where
he serves as lay leader, trustee, church treasurer, Sunday school teacher and former president of the
steward board. He is the Lay Leader - Emeritus for the Monroe District.
He is married to Sandra Rushing Graham. He has two daughters, Angela and Alicia, three
grandchildren, Alexis Nicole Gause, Alena Cecile Killen and Robert Graham Killen and one great
grandchild, Aubrey Wallis
