Steele Chapter Wingmen Honored at Atlanta for Support of AFA 

The Andrew D. Turner Squadron at Howard University and the First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt Silver Wings chapter at George Washington University earned national recognition at the 2025 Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings National Conclave, held April 12 in Atlanta, Ga. The prestigious Lt. Gen. George Muellner Award recognizes their outstanding leadership, service, and enduring partnership with the Air & Space Forces Association. AFA’s President CEO, Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.) presented the award to the squadron’s representatives during a luncheon hosted by the association. 

The Turner Squadron, part of Air Force ROTC Detachment 130, includes cadets from Howard University and other Washington, D.C., colleges. The squadron collaborates closely with the Silver Wings chapter at George Washington University on various joint projects and events. 

Over the past year, both groups have strengthened their partnership with the AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter, actively participating in initiatives that promote professional development and honor Air Force heritage. 

Silver Wings chapter president Christian Williams also serves on the Steele Chapter executive committee as vice president for Silver Wings, reinforcing the organizations’ close ties. 

In endorsing the squadron for the award, AFA’s Steele Chapter President Lloyd Swede wrote, “The members of the squadron embody the highest ideals of the Air Force and the AFA. The Steele Chapter considers the Howard cadets and Silver Wings members to be among our most trusted and valued Wingmen.” 

Throughout the year, the cadets and Silver Wings members have contributed to several Steele Chapter programs, including the “Salute to Arnold Air and Silver Wings” membership meeting and leadership development sessions with retired Air Force leaders, such as Lt. Gen. Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Power Studies. 

Turner cadets also participated in the chapter’s Financial Readiness Bootcamp on April 2 and served as the color guard for the annual Tribute to the Doolittle Raiders, held April 17. The Steele Chapter also helped defray travel expenses for Silver Wings members attending the event. 

The D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter is proud to support and mentor these rising leaders, whose energy and commitment reflect the core values of the Air & Space Forces Association.