Retired Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee Applauded At President Donald Trump's The State Of The Union
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJZ) -- President Donald Trump recognized retired Brigadier General Charles McGee at his State of the Union address Tuesday night.
McGee, a Tuskegee Airman, earned his wings in 1943 and flew a total of 409 aerial fighter combat missions during his 30 years of service.
RELATED COVERAGE:
- Widow Of Capital Gazette Shooting Victim John McNamara Invited To State Of The Union
- State of the Union 2020: Trump addresses nation just before expected acquittal by Senate
- Tuskegee Airman Celebrates 100th Birthday With Flight
The General, from Bethesda, Maryland, recently participated in the coin toss at the Super Bowl.
He recently turned 100.
McGee was given three standing ovations during Trump's speech. The veteran's 13-year-old great-grandson Iain Lanphier was also recognized for wanting to be on Trump's Space Force team.
President Trump introduces Iain Lanphier, a 13-year-old who aspires to join the U.S. Space Force, and his 100-year-old great-grandfather Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman https://t.co/C3Wm2ERpwP pic.twitter.com/YAnjd7KTPS
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 5, 2020
Sen. Chris Van Hollen congratulated McGee on his promotion to Brigadier General.
"I salute Brigadier General Charles McGee for his extraordinary service to our country. I am proud to have teamed up with Representative Anthony Brown to pass this legislation and to provide Colonel McGee with this honorary promotion to Brigadier General. Thank you, General, for your sacrifice to our nation, and again, happy 100th birthday!" Van Hollen said in a statement late Tuesday night.