18th Air Force commander tours 375th Air Mobility Wing Published Oct. 3, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs 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."