Steele Chapter Hosts Leadership Event for Cadets with Former CMSAF Bass

AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter hosted its annual “Leadership and Salute to Arnold Air” membership meeting on October 29 at Nighthawk Pizza in Arlington, Va. The gathering connected cadets, students, and Air Force recruiters from Northern Virginia to AFA’s network of leaders—including Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force #19 JoAnne Bass—while strengthening ties between AFA and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C.

More than 60 AFA members and guests attended, including Arnold Air Society cadets from the University of Maryland and Howard University, Silver Wings members from George Washington University, and recruiters from the 317th Recruiting Squadron. Representing AFA’s national headquarters was Executive Vice President, Maj. Gen. Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.); and representing Arnold Air Society was its Executive Director, Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas, USAF (Ret.).

“Our greatest competitive advantage will never be in technology—it will always be the people behind the mission,” said Bass, who is now a member of AFA’s Board of Directors. She encouraged cadets and young leaders to “lead with purpose, courage, and conviction.”

During the program, the Steele Chapter presented Senior Master Sgt. Jacquelyn Gausemel, President of the JBAB Top III Association, with a $2,000 grant, $1,000 of which was funded through AFA’s United Forces & Families (F2) program. The Top III Association provides leadership opportunities, mentorship, and support for professional development of Airmen on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

“The focus of tonight’s program is leadership at all levels—from the newest Airman or Guardian to our most senior leaders,” said the Steele Chapter’s President Darian “DJ” Padilla. “It’s never too early to learn what great leadership looks like.”

The event doubled as a food drive for the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Food Pantry, which experienced a sharp increase in need during the recent government shutdown. Attendees brought non-perishable food and donations to help fill that gap.