Tuskegee Airman Capt. George Hickman loved aviation and airplanes so much growing up he often brought his small-scale airplane models with him to school.

"The teachers took them away ... that broke my heart," he said with a laugh.

That love of aviation at an early age helped fuel Hickman to a legendary military career as one of the first African American aviators that carved out a special place in World War II history.

Hickman encouraged the latest generation of students to follow their dreams at an assembly celebrating diversity and Black History Month on Tuesday afternoon at Tyee Park Elementary.

In addition to parents and Lakewood city leaders, local Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and veterans packed the school's auditorium to hear kindergarten through fifth-graders perform songs about diversity and hear the 87-year-old Hickman speak.

Tuskegee Airmen Ed Drummond and Tommie Lamb were also in attendance.

After building up a relationship with the local Tuskegee Airmen over the years through her Veterans Day assemblies, fine arts teacher Tracey Lundquist incorporated Hickman into Tuesday's celebration because students have grown to love him.

"Once (the Tuskegee Airmen) saw how much love and admiration and respect these children have for them, they keep coming (back)," Lindquist said.

Hickman, a Seattle resident, shared stories about his love of aviation with students and encouraged them to set high goals for themselves.

"They can be anybody and do anything that they want to do," he said. (And) be the best at it."

Lundquist, whose boyfriend is currently serving with the Marines in Afghanistan, cherished the opportunity to foster the relationship between the students and the Tuskegee Airmen.

"I hope these children appreciate the fact that they get to be among living legends," she said. "I told the kids that it's one thing to learn about history, but to have history live, walk, breathe and be in your presence is an honor, and I don't think they will fully appreciate it until they are my age."

Tech. Sgt. David Timney, a Reservist with the 446th Maintenance Squadron, heard about the assembly through a base-wide email.

"I jumped right on the opportunity," said the Reservist, dressed in his Air Force blues.

"I enjoyed the history of George Hickman. I read his biography before I came, so I know his history and stuff," Timney said. "It's more insightful coming from the individual himself."

Timney also got a chance to chat with Hickman and snap a picture with him.