Brigadier General Charles E. McGee scholarship

To be eligible, completed applications must be received by February 28.

The Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Scholarship is an annual scholarship to help a qualified veteran student achieve their educational goal. Granted by funds endowed to Columbia College, this scholarship was established in 2010 to honor Brigadier General McGee ’78 USAF (retired). McGee was a Tuskegee Airman, a select group of black World War II fighter pilots who shattered stereotypes. In his extraordinarily long career, he also commanded a fighter squadron in the Philippines. Additionally, he oversaw a reconnaissance squadron at now-defunct Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base near Kansas City. He holds the Air Force fighter combat record of 409 missions and 1151 combat hours.

The scholarship recognizes the efforts of a veteran student who embodies the spirit and courage of Brigadier General McGee.

Who’s eligible

Any undergraduate or graduate Columbia College student classified as a veteran (no longer serving and honorably discharged) may apply. Applicants must be degree-seeking with a minimum of 2.5 GPA attending campus or a Columbia College venue. Dependents of veterans may also apply.

Application

Applications must be completed by the student.

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. CST, February 28.

Criteria

A fully completed and signed application form.
Copy of DD214 (veteran copy) with honorable discharge status.
An essay of up to 500 words written by the student. The essay should describe the student's personal circumstances and how education will make a difference in his/her life.
Two references as outlined in Section III of the application form.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Submission

Mail completed application packet (application, DD214, essay, and recommendations) to:

The Brigadier General (retired) Charles E. McGee Scholarship Committee
Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee House
Columbia College
904 8th Street
Columbia, MO 65216

Notification

Recipients will be notified of the selection committee’s decision by way of letter by April 30.

Application form Recommendation form

Brigadier General Charles McGee

Brigadier General Charles McGee is a living national treasure. Born in 1919, he became a Tuskegee Airman in World War II. The Airmen were the first African Americans to fly in combat. McGee held the Air Force’s fighter combat record for many years with 409 missions and 1,151 combat hours, serving in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars.

In his extraordinarily long career, McGee also commanded a fighter squadron in the Philippines and a reconnaissance squadron at now-defunct Richards- Gebaur Air Force Base just south of Kansas City.

McGee was president of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. from 1983-85 and again from 1998-2002, focusing on education, aviation and space careers for minorities.

In 2007, President Bush awarded McGee the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award.