MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center hosted Robert L. Bartlett for the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau on Thursday night.

Bartlett, a professor in the Department of Sociology and Justice Studies at Eastern Washington University, fought with the Army in the Vietnam War. He spoke about the 555th Airborne Infantry Firefighters unit in his presentation "The Triple Nickel: Black Paratroopers in Washington State During World War II."

The Army's first all-black unit of smoke-jumpers, "Triple Nickel" soldiers were trained by U.S. Forestry Service Rangers and were first responders to dozens of forest fires, including the 1945 Mt. Baker fire.

The event was one of "hundreds" of free presentations the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau books in its mission to "provide low-cost, high-quality public presentations across the state, encouraging audiences to think, learn, and engage in conversation," according to their site.

Earlier this fall, radio host Amanda Wilde presented "Washington's Music Pioneers" and Regents Professor William H. Wilson spoke about the work of Asahel Curtis.

Bartlett said by the time V-J Day ended World War II, the Triple Nickel had fought fires in seven western states and southern Canada.

Patriotism kept the Triple Nickel motivated. Black paratroopers asked, "why should I die for a country that cares so little about me?" The answer they found within themselves to do their jobs proudly, said Bartlett, was "This is my country."

The 555th performed so well, in fact, that General James Gavin saw to it that every member was given the same battle ribbons earned by the 82nd Airborne for their service overseas. The Triple Nickel earned them without ever leaving the country.

The Triple Nickel was the "first integrated combat unit in military history," Bartlett said.

Bartlett attended the Triple Nickel reunion this summer in Washington, D.C., and he said many of them believe General Gavin cost himself a third star by supporting the 555th.

The Bureau of Land Management's site lists the minimum qualifications for modern-day smoke-jumpers. Aspiring smoke-jumpers are expected to have bachelor's degrees in a relevant field and be able to meet fitness standards that include a minimum of 10 pull-ups and run three miles in 23 minutes.