Steele Chapter Supports Arnold Air Regional Conclave

The Arnold Air Society’s Andrew D. Turner Squadron at Howard University hosted the Society’s annual Regional Conclave the weekend of November 15. Cadets and students representing Arnold Air squadrons and Silver Wings chapters from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York City, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia gathered for a weekend of leadership development, fellowship, and professional growth.

AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter supported the event with a monetary donation and by attending the Saturday evening awards dinner. Chapter President Darian “DJ” Padilla and his spouse, Claudine, along with Chapter Secretary Bob Hill and his wife, Gale, represented the chapter and met with the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders.

Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), the Dean of AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and a former Arnold Air Society cadet at the University of Virginia, delivered the keynote address. Drawing on decades of service, operational expertise, and national defense leadership, Deptula spoke candidly about the strategic challenges facing the U.S. military and the critical role today’s cadets will play in shaping its future.

“The only thing more expensive than a first-rate Air Force is a second-rate Air Force,” he said, underscoring the nation’s need for sustained readiness and modernization. While the challenges ahead continue to grow, Deptula reminded the audience that “what separates us from our enemies is the character of our people.”

Speaking directly to the cadets, Deptula stressed that the Air Force Core Values are not aspirational slogans but guiding principles. “The Air Force core values are not just words; they are our compass.” He concluded by affirming the cadets’ potential and responsibility: “The next chapter of American history will be written by you.”