During Tuesday night’s State of the Union Address, President Donald J. Trump showed his heartfelt appreciation for retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier Gen. Charles McGee, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen.
McGee attended the State of the Union with his great-grandson, Iain. Both were special guests of the president’s.
After speaking about Iain, Trump turned his attention to McGee.
The president said, “[S]itting by Iain tonight is his greatest hero of them all.”
After mentioning McGee was a Tuskegee Airman, the attendees stood and gave him a booming standing ovation — making for one of the truly bipartisan moments of the night. In a moving moment, McGee himself stood and saluted Trump, the commander-in-chief. McGee could then be seen humbly mouthing thank you and waving to the crowd as they continued to give him a warm reception.
After earning his wings in 1943, McGee flew a total of 409 aerial fighter combat missions during 30 years of military service. He is a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
“An incredible story,” Trump said.
The president noted that he recently signed a bill promoting McGee to brigadier general from colonel for his incredible service to his country.
McGee’s stars were pinned to his uniform personally by Trump in the Oval Office earlier in the day Tuesday ahead of the address.
“General McGee, our nation salutes you,” Trump said. “Thank you, sir.”
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This came after McGee on Sunday was honored on the field during the coin flip before Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl.
McGee was not the only 2020 State of the Union presidential guest with ties to Alabama. Read about Wilcox County native Paul Morrow here.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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