AFA Chapter, Mitchell Institute Dean Connect with Virginia Commonwealth EXCOM, AFROTC Cadets

AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter hosted the Virginia Commonwealth Executive Committee for their quarterly meeting in Arlington, Va., on Oct. 5. The event featured a delegate dinner at the Patton Club at Fort Myer, which included an engaging evening for delegates, their spouses, and special guests, including Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, and his wife, Dianna.

The Steele Chapter also invited nine AFROTC cadets from Howard University and members of the Silver Wings Chapter at George Washington University to attend as guests. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity for these future leaders to interact with retired and Active-duty Air Force members and to learn more about rewarding careers in the Air and Space Forces.

“Our organization is very fortunate to be able to attend events like this one because we get to hear from the people who are really advocating for the Air and Space Forces,” said Eva Guerrette of Silver Wings. 

The cadets also had the chance to meet Deptula and hear his insights on critical issues facing the nation and the Air and Space Forces. He encouraged everyone to review the recent report from the Commission for the National Defense Strategy, which outlines the global threats facing the United States. He also emphasized the need for increased investment in the unique capabilities of the Air and Space Forces, which are vital to our national security. Deptula highlighted the critical need to effectively communicate these threats to the American public, a mission that AFA and its Chapters are well-positioned to undertake.

“As a cadet eager to serve, this event was a great motivator,” said Cadet T.J. Grauslys. “It gave me a more refined understanding of the Air Force I will be serving in and working to improve.”