AFDW Hosts Commander's Course
By 2nd Lt. Esther Willett, AFDW / Published May 01, 2015
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland --
Incoming squadron commanders and their spouses attended a three-day course at the Smart Conference Center at Joint Base Andrews, Md. April 29 - May 1.
"To be a squadron commander as far as I'm concerned is the epitome of anything you'll ever get to do in the Air Force," said Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darryl Burke. "It is truly the one job in the Air Force that you can see and make a difference every day. The Air Force runs on its squadron commanders."
The course, hosted by Air Force District of Washington, was designed to equip these officers for the unique challenges of commanding an organization in the National Capital Region. The officers listened to a wide variety of speakers including representatives from many supporting agencies on base. Senior leaders from across Joint Base Andrews also came to share from their experience in command.
"Any mentoring session with a colonel or a general officer is priceless," said incoming commander Lt. Col. Madelaine Sumera.
The course also served as an opportunity to network and build relationships that will prove valuable in the future.
"It's good to be able to interact with other incoming commanders. Building relationships is important so that the first time we are interacting is not over the phone," Sumera said.
"This is it. This is what I call the ultimate test," Burke said. "This is a chance not everybody gets, being trusted with our Airmen for two years."