Northern Virginia Chapters, Doolittle Leadership Center Join Forces to Train AFROTC Cadets

AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter and Gabriel Chapter in Northern Virginia sponsored the study materials for 55 AFROTC cadets from the University of Virginia, James Madison University, and Liberty University. The funding helped cadets attended a leadership training session led by Dr. Patrick Donley, a retired Air Force colonel and the Director of AFA’s Doolittle Leadership Center.

The training took place from February 7-8, 2025, at Graves Mountain Lodge near Syria, Va. The session, designed to equip cadets with essential leadership tools and insights, aimed to help them excel in their military careers.

Lloyd Swede, president of the Steele Chapter and an Active-duty NCO, attended the event and shared his perspective on leadership. His participation not only reflected his personal dedication to mentoring future leaders but also underscored the role of AFA membership in fostering professional growth.

“I was excited and honored to be part of this event,” Swede said. “Engaging in lively discussions about the course material and sharing my leadership experiences with the cadets hopefully will help them as they prepare to take on leadership roles in the Air Force.”

“Thank you so much to the Steele and Gabriel Chapters,” Donley said. “We could not have conducted this training without your generous assistance. We’ve trained 55 young leaders in a leadership framework that will positively impact their lives and the lives of those they lead. This is a ‘generational gift’—one that keeps on giving!”

The Steele Chapter’s ongoing partnership with the Doolittle Leadership Center and its continued investment in AFROTC cadets underscored its dedication to shaping the future of the Air Force and Space Force.