Tuskegee Airman and Living Legend Gen. Charles McGee Visits the Sentinel – Los Angeles Sentinel | Los Angeles Sentinel

By Jennifer Bihm, originally published February 27, 2020

Image Credits: LA Sentinel (E. Mesiyah McGnnis)

Tuskegee Airman Brigadier General Charles McGee was born in 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio. His mother died during the birth of his sister while he was very young and eventually he and his siblings relocated with their father to Illinois. McGee had been attending the University of Illinois when World War II broke out.

On February 5th, 2020, McGee received his new title in the Oval Office and was interviewed by the LA Sentinel. He share what his career has meant to him and how it is significant for today’s youth.

McGee, a centurion, held many prestigious functional and honorary positions around the field of aviation. In 1978, at the age of 58, he completed the college degree at Columbia College over thirty years after his initial enrollment at the University of Illinois. Though interrupted by World War II, attaining a college degree had been a lifelong goal.

McGee served as the Director of the Kansas City airport and as a member of the Aviation Advisory Commission. For over 30 years, he has been an ambassador of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., giving numerous public addresses and has received accolades including the National Aeronautic Association’s “Elder Statesman of Aviation.” McGee served as National President of the Association from 1983 to 1985, and is currently serving as its president.