Steele Chapter Celebrates Newly Commissioned Officers   

The D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) continued its strong partnership with Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) this spring by supporting commissioning ceremonies at Howard University AFROTC Detachment 130 and the University of Maryland AFROTC Detachment 330.

Howard University commissioned 14 second lieutenants on May 12, while the University of Maryland commissioned 17 second lieutenants on May 21. Together, the detachments added 31 officers to the Air Force and Space Force, including eight future pilots and officers entering a wide range of operational and support career fields.

Several graduates earned special recognition before entering active duty. 2nd Lt. Andrew Byrne received one of AFROTC’s highest honors when he was named Air Education and Training Command Cadet of the Year. In addition, three newly commissioned officers were recognized as Distinguished Graduates, an honor reserved for the top 10-percent of the nearly 2,000 AFROTC cadets commissioned nationwide each year.

“We are extremely proud of the 17 outstanding second lieutenants commissioned from Detachment 330,” said Col. Nate Rabe, professor of aerospace studies and commander of AFROTC Detachment 330. “Partnerships with AFA and the D.W. Steele Chapter provide meaningful professional development opportunities that contribute directly to their growth as future Air and Space Force leaders.”

Lt. Col. Abigail Ono, professor of aerospace studies and commander of AFROTC Detachment 130, echoed that appreciation. “The support and mentorship provided by the Steele Chapter and AFA enriched our cadets’ experience and helped prepare them for exceptional Air Force careers.”

For several years, the Steele Chapter has maintained a close relationship with both detachments and their Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings organizations. Cadets regularly participate in chapter programs, including the Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast, Financial Readiness Bootcamp, Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings events, and Air Force and Space Force birthday celebrations. The chapter has also strengthened cadet engagement by establishing executive committee positions dedicated to Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings.

“The chapter has had the privilege of watching many of these cadets grow into leaders over the past several years,” said Steele Chapter President Darian “DJ” Padilla. “It is exciting to see them earn their commissions, and we know they will serve our nation with distinction.”