Troop 96 of the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) today honored retired Air Force Brigadier General Charles McGee with its Lifetime Achievement award. The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented at his home in Bethesda, MD, was established in 2013 and is given in recognition of individuals whose accomplishments embody the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law.
As an active member of Boy Scouts in his youth, McGee earned the title of Distinguished Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver award for his outstanding service. The veteran continued to display his leadership capabilities throughout his 30-year military career, earning numerous decorations from the Bronze Star to the Hellenic Republic WWII Commemorative Medal. Most recently, McGee received the honorary promotion to Brigadier General in December 2019, which was announced last week during President Trump’s State of the Union address. The 100-year old Brigadier General McGee has had a busy couple of weeks – from his appearance presiding over the coin toss at Superbowl LIV to being recognized at the State of the Union address to a book signing ceremony this past Saturday at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum celebrating Black History month, where he was featured as part of its African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space program.
“We are extremely proud to recognize retired Brigadier General Charles McGee for his tremendous accomplishments on behalf of this nation and in the world of Scouting,” said Scout Executive Craig Poland. “Brigadier General McGee not only meets the criteria for this selective award – he more than surpasses it. The values embodied in Scouting are reflected in his daily life and work.”
Born in Cleveland in 1919, McGee enlisted in the Army on October 26, 1942. Upon earning his pilot’s wings, McGee joined the Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of African American military pilots in the Armed Forces. During his extensive military career, he accumulated over 6,300 total hours, flew tactical missions attacking enemy airfields, and took part in top-secret rescue missions. In 2011, McGee was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio.
McGee, a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Military Order of World Wars, and the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., now spends his time sharing his life experiences by speaking in support of the Black Heritage and Youth Career motivation programs.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given in recognition of a person’s noteworthy personal and/or professional accomplishments, his dedication to America and because he lives the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law. Past recipients of this award include Bill Marriott Jr., former Gov. Haley Barbour, Thomas J. Donohue, Jacob Stein and Michael Daniels.
Many gathered in reverence to Scout Sunday at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church. BSA Troop 1140-B, Pack 1140 and GSA Troops 4001 & 52054, both sponsored by Kirkwood participated in the day’s events.
Other units who were represented by members of Kirkwood’s congregation were Troops 1345-G, 1849-B, 1853-G, & 1865-G and Crew 1620.
We also had members attend services at their own place of Worship. If you attended services at your place of worship please inform Scoutmaster Huggins of Troop 1140 at 
My son Jacob (8) looks forward to the Pinewood derby every year. As far as a year in advance he thinks about what kind of car he wants to build. He first draws out his car ideas, then carefully choses the theme and even suggests where to put the weights. He watches videos on how to build a fast car and does his own research.
No other kid in the room exudes as much excitement as he does on Derby day! It’s so much fun to watch him jump up and down and cheer on not just his car but his fellow scouts! This year after the race, he proudly set up his 3 derby cars and the awards he won at home in our cabinet.
but gives them the satisfaction of designing and creating a car and watching the cars perform. It’s very rewarding for everyone involved. It teaches the kids they can do anything if they work hard enough at it. This year Jacob won “Most Patriotic” in the whole Pack and 3rd place for “speed” in his Bear den. He can’t wait for show-and-tell at school to show his classmates his car and awards this week!!!
The Council celebration of 100 years of NCAC summer camps is well underway, as we continue to celebrate the opening of Camp Roosevelt on the Maryland western shore as our first council summer camp in 1919!