Page 4 - BG Charles E. McGee

The Debrief appropriately titled “Onward, Upward”, went extremely well with an estimated viewing audience of over 10,000. His daughter Yvonne was very helpful with setting up the Debrief and ensuring it went smoothly. The reaction from those who viewed the interview live was very positive. General McGee was raised in a single parent household, found mentors in life, paid for his own education and entered a segregated military to achieve individual greatness, despite a deck that was stacked against his success. He succinctly answered questions about the effect of segregation on him while growing up and while in the military in the beginning. He also addressed questions about the effect of racism on his progress in the US Air Force by saying he was never personally affected by racism.
The Debrief covers his early life as well as his military experiences and his post military retirement, including his mentorship in the Boy Scouts. He rattles off the Boy Scout Oath and Law perfectly, without a bit of hesitation. I wasn’t a Boy Scout but was a Cub Scout, and the only thing I can remember about the Cub Scout Promise is: “I, Chuck Sweeney, promise to.........”, so I am in awe that someone can not only remember it, but can still recite it.
His story should be an inspiration for all generations, including the youth of America, but especially disadvantaged youths. his story needs to be told again and again as an example of what can be achieved when an individual capitalizes on opportunities and takes a disciplined approach to learning. You really need to watch the video of the Debrief to get the full impact of his early life as well as his early commitment to succeed in life. The video can be seen at: https://www.dfcsociety.org/pages/ogta-debriefs
His philosophy of life is captured in what he calls the four “Ps”. The four “Ps” are “Perceive, Prepare, Perform and Persevere” and he has followed this philosophy himself and espouses it to both youths that he has mentored and to adults when he is speaking to various groups of both veterans and civilians.
The DFC Society decided to present a small token of our appreciation to General McGee for his participation in the Debrief process. The gift is one of our DFCS shadow box plaques. We asked Associate member Byron Derringer, the great grandson of Capt. James Ely Miller, the only Distinguished Flying Cross recipient from WWI, to make the presentation since he lives only three miles from General McGee. Once again,
Yvonne McGee was very helpful in setting up the presentation outside with social distancing employed. This is what is engraved on the plate on the plaque:
Brigadier General Charles E. McGee With Deepest Appreciation and Respect When Duty Called, You Answered “Perceive, Prepare, Perform and Persevere”
WINTER 2020 / DFCS News Magazine / 25