News>18th Air Force commander tours 375th Air Mobility Wing
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Mrs. Eveyln McDew visits the child development center Sept. 28 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Mrs. McDew was able to speak to workers to find out about how the children are taken care of, what they are fed and schedules during the duty days to try to accompany everyone that needs child care. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Tristin English)
Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, present the Bronze Star to Maj. Heather Sullivan during the commanders call at the base theater Sept. 28 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The Bronze Star is the fourth highest combat decoration; it’s awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Tristin English)
Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, speaks to Airmen during a commanders call at the base theater Sept. 28 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. McDew spoke about how we all need to take care of each other and thanked them for all that they have accomplished and will accomplish in the future. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Tristin English)
Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, speaks to Airmen during a commanders call at the base theater Sept. 28 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. McDew spoke about how we all need to take care of each other and thanked them for all that they have accomplished and will accomplish in the future. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Tristin English)
by Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
10/3/2012 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, the 18th Air Force commander, and his wife, Evelyn, were reintroduced to the 375th Air Mobility Wing's mission, Airmen and families during a visit here Sept. 28.
The general, a former 375th AMW commander, met with Airmen at several locations on base including the Force Support, Comptroller,Aeromedical Evacuation, and 458th Airlift Squadrons; the Operations and Communications Groups; and the Official Mail and Education Centers. At the same time, Mrs. McDew met with staff at the Youth, Child Development and Airmen and Family Readiness Centers.
"The visit was phenomenal, because it continues to remind me why I serve," said the general. "I'm blessed to serve in an Air Force that is appreciated, and I get to do it with some amazing people. The chance to talk to the Airmen of Scott pumps me up."
The general held an "All Call" at the base theater where he awarded Maj. Heather Sullivan, 375th Force Support Squadron, with the Bronze Star Medal for deployed service as an advisor to the Afghan National Civil Order Police. He noted how Sullivan's service exemplified today's bold, risk-taking Mobility Airmen and shared some of his own thoughts on what the Air Force needs from those Airmen.
"We are all innovators," he said. "The bold, risk-taking attitude doesn't have an AFSC. Don't be afraid to risk yourself to help someone else. You have to decide what type of Airman you're going to be, not when it's convenient for you. You have to do it every single day."
The all call ended with Col. David Almand, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, wishing the general a happy birthday and welcoming him back to Scott for his third tour. McDew also served as the 18th Air Force's vice commander in 2006-2007.
"It's pretty amazing to come back to a place you have such a fond feeling for," McDew said. "We love the community and every aspect of it that we've had an opportunity to touch during our times here."
