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AFDW Commander inspires future leaders

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
Joint Base Andrews, Md. --  Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew encouraged the next generation of America's Airmen during visits to Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps detachments at two Maryland high schools recently.

The general visited the JROTC programs at Bladensburg High School in Bladensburg, Nov. 30, and Dr. Henry L. Wise Jr. High school in Mellwood, Dec. 7. He interacted with more than 100 students at each school and presided over the detachments' awards ceremonies.

"I know for a fact there are people in this audience that are going to do great things moving forward," said McDew to the students. "Let me tell you how very proud I am of you. You made a decision to do something many of your peers would not - subject yourselves to a little extra discipline, rigger and team play."

The general told the cadets about his experiences as an Air Force officer and as the commander of his JROTC detachment as well as the drill team.

"We have a lot of guest speakers come in, but no one as important as Major General McDew, so it was kind of fun and interesting to hear what he had to say from his personal experience in JROTC and in the United States Air Force," said cadet Maj. America Lucero, vice wing commander. "I think it motivated a lot of the students and made us think about our futures as well."

He also mentored the cadets on the importance of teamwork and explained how his JROTC team learned to work together, which was key to winning a national drill team championship.

"That experience taught me a number of things - most importantly it taught me the power of teamwork. A great team can do anything," McDew said.

The U.S. Air Force Drill Team and the U.S. Air Force Band's Max Impact also appeared with the general at both schools and entertained the students.

Air Force District of Washington is the single Air Force voice for planning and implementing Air Force and joint solutions within the National Capital Region. AFDW organizes, trains, equips and provides forces for Air and Space Expeditionary Force deployment, homeland operations and ceremonial support within the NCR and worldwide.