Retired Col. Charles McGee, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen achieved two milestones recently. He celebrated his 100th birthday -- and this week he was promoted to brigadier general by President Trump.
McGee’s career began June 30, 1943 when he earned his pilot’s wings as one of the Tuskegee Airmen, the decorated unit of African-American's famous for not only their combat successes, but the impact they had on the cultural shift in the military.
His military career spanned three decades, flying 409 combat missions during 3 different wars – WWII, Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War, before retiring in 1973.
The evening after he was promoted, McGee attended the State of the Union as a guest and was recognized by President Trump.
This past Sunday McGee, along with three other veterans, each 100 years of age, participated in the coin toss at the Super Bowl in Miami.
McGee has credited all these achievements to a simple formula.
What he calls his four ‘P’s’ — perceive, prepare, perform, persevere. He said, “Always seek excellence and always do your best in things that you do. And don’t let the negative circumstances be an excuse for not achieving.”