Tuskegee Airman Colonel Charles McGee *Photo Public Domain

Celebrating Black History month, I want to highlight Brigadier General Charles McGee. During President Donald J. Trump’s state of the union address, one of the highlights was when he introduced Iain Lanphier who was in attendance along with his great-grandfather, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee. Lanphier has been inspired by his great-grandfather and his dream is to attend the Airforce Academy. As Trump said in his speech, “Ian wants to see the earth from above.” 

Earlier in the day, President Trump promoted Charles McGee to Brigadier General. Charles McGee is an inspiration to all, and he recently celebrated his 100th birthday on December 7, 2019. McGee was also honored at NASA’s headquarters in Washington D.C.

McGee honored at the 2020 State of the Union Address
*Photo by Brendan Smialowski AFP via Getty Images

The Tuskegee Airmen were a prestigious group of an all African American military pilots (fighter and bomber) who fought in World War II. They formed the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces. The name also applies to the navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew chiefs, nurses, cooks and other support personnel. (source https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuskegee_Airmen)

McGee spoke about the racism that the Tuskegee Airmen experienced, but they did not use it as an excuse. They were determined to go further. Reading briefly McGee’s biography, the Tuskegee Airmen had a mission and their only concerns were to complete that assignment. When it came to racism vs. the Tuskegee Airmen, there was no contest – the Tuskegee Airmen always come out on top. 

Tuskegee Airman and Brigadier General Charles McGee with his great-grandson Iain Lanphiera during the 2020 State of the Union
*Photo by Patrick Semansky AP

After WWII, McGee also served in Korea and Vietnam. 

There are some individuals who make their money by exploiting the miseries of others. Whereas the Honorable Brigadier General is a prime example on how to overcome adversity through determination. He is the inspirational speaker that schools of all levels of education should invite to their commencement. C.M.

Tuskegee Airmen circa May 1, 1942 – Aug 1943
*Photo Public Domain