[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 9, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H1090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING BRIGADIER GENERAL CHARLES McGEE
(Ms. PRESSLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute.)
Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of
legendary retired Air Force Brigadier General Charles McGee, who
peacefully departed on the morning of January 16, 2022. He was 102
years young and one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen.
Charles McGee lived a full and beautiful life of bravery and
perseverance. He was the embodiment of hope and service.
As a Tuskegee Airman, he made history as one of the first Black
military aviators, breaking the color barrier in the armed services
during World War II and flying 409 fighter combat missions in three
wars.
In addition to his life of service, Mr. McGee created an enduring
legacy through the family that he grew. He married the love of his
life, Ms. Frances Nelson, in April 1942. The two would go on to be
married for more than 50 years.
He is survived by his 3 children, Charlene, Ronald, and Yvonne; 10
grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Black history is American history, and Charles McGee is an American
hero. General McGee's legacy will live on through the pages of our
history, the incredible family he created, and the lives he touched,
including my own.
Mr. Speaker, to our General, our beloved Papa Gee, I pray that he
rests in peace and power, reunited with his love, Frances, with the
wind forever at his back and the clearest blue skies ahead.
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