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Maj. Gen McDew shares leadership experience with McConnell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Drawing on nearly 30 years of Air Force experience, Maj. Gen. Darren McDew shared his vision of leadership and communication with McConnell's Airmen in a variety of forums Oct. 6 and 7, 2011.

McDew is the commander of Air Force District of Washington, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and the keynote speaker at McConnell's Air Force Ball. Several of McDew leadership assignments include Air Force aide to the President of the U.S., Director of Public Affairs, commander of two bases and several squadrons and U.S. Air Force Senate Liaison Division chief.

"I am glad to be here," said McDew. "I want to thank McConnell's Airmen for giving me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with them."

While on base, McDew held forums with company grade officers, base commanders and chiefs, Airmen Leadership School students and future leaders discussing his ideas on leadership.

"It was an incredible opportunity to get a strategic-level perspective," said 1st Lt. Charles Weniger, 22nd Air Refueling Wing installation deployment officer. "However, it was not just strategic level because it goes all the way back to what we do as CGOs; it was an all-encompassing perspective on what leadership is and should be."

McDew emphasized thanking Airmen for the work they do, having a plan and talking to Airmen. He did this with personal examples he gathered throughout his career. One ALS student who attended McDew's forum at the school feels better prepared to lead after hearing the general speak.

"From his talk with us, I learned how to become a better supervisor, which is important because being a good leader and performing our job, correctly, can save lives," said Senior Airman Gregory Hoyt, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter.

A frequently requested speaker and experienced with McConnell's mission, McDew offered McConnell ideas to expand and develop, and left the installation with a few words.

"I want to leave you with two things; bloom where you are planted, and you will never find a military audience that tires of being thanked," he said.