He’s passing the baton!
A 101-year-old Tuskegee Airman inspires other young aviators by taking flight with the group, which included his great-grandson, WJLA reports.
Brigadier General Charles McGee is the oldest remaining Tuskegee Airmen, and after serving in Korea, Vietnam, and World War II, he continues making new extraordinary memories. He recently celebrated his 100th birthday by piloting a celebratory flight from Maryland to Delaware. Now, 101-years-old, McGee is looking to pass the baton and inspire the next generation of aviators, joining a group of aspiring pilots on a flight to the largest aviation event in the world, EAA AirVenture.
Joining McGee was his 15-year-old great-grandson, Lain Lanphier, 13-year-old student, Joshua Gibson, Shaesta Waiz, a pilot known for flying solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft in 2017, and McGee’s son, Ron McGee, a military and civilian aviator.
This was his great-grandsons first time getting a chance to see him since before the pandemic.
“I want to be like him,” Lanphier told reporters. “I hope to touch people’s lives just like Papa Gee.”
McGee is considered one of the most celebrated pilots, serving the country for 30 years and flying more than 400 combat fighter missions. He was one of 900 Black pilots who trained at the segregated Tuskegee airfield in Alabama, overcoming racism to fly patrols during World War II.
The Maryland native has received a Congressional Gold Medal and been promoted to honorary brigadier general by Congress. When previously asked by the press about the importance of aviation for today’s younger generation, McGee said, “Aviation is an important technology and something we hope all youngsters get an interest in.”
Before he took off on his flight he told reporters that it's important for him to pass down what he knows to the next generation.
“The young folks are the future of this country,” McGee said. “I don’t have too much time left here, so mentoring them is one of the most important things I can do.”
It looks like he is doing his part! Thank you, Gen. McGee. Because of you, we can!
Photo Courtesy of Private Air Media Group, LLC