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In his storied career, McGee flew a record 409 combat missions. During World War II, McGee escorted bombers over Germany, Austria, and the Balkans. During the Korean and Vietnam Wars, McGee participated in 100 interdiction missions and 173 reconnaissance missions.

On Wednesday, McGee was interviewed by astronaut Alvin Drew about his career, education and his early memories of flying. McGee closed his portion of the event by challenging his audience to give back to the next generation.

\"It broke the trail for the rest of us to come behind you... I personally thank you for making it an opportunity for me.\"

Astronaut Alvin Drew thanks Brig. Gen. Charles McGee for his service as he sits down with the legendary Tuskegee Airman. Watch: https://t.co/4itEoKv9ic pic.twitter.com/Dsb1GGm2wD

— NASA (@NASA) February 5, 2020

\"Are you mentoring a youngster coming along behind you? Whether it's in your family, neighborhood or city, there are youngsters needing that. If you don't have a mentor, somewhere in your neighborhood there is one. Don't overlook that because those young folks are the future.\"

McGee is currently a mentor to his great-grandson Iain Lanphier, who sat next to him at the Capitol during the State of the Union address.

\"PHOTO:
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
PHOTO: Retired Brigadier General Charles McGee (bottom C) salutes during the State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2020.
>

Inspired by the Tuskegee Airman, Lanphier hopes to do great things like his great-grandfather and the president said that he hopes to attend the Air Force Academy and eventually travel into space.

\"He has his eye on the Space Force,\" Trump said Tuesday, referencing the new sixth branch of the U.S. military. \"As Iain says, most people look up at space, I want to look down on the world.\"

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