{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"200 - Gen. Darren McDew - USAF Retired","description":"In this milestone 200th episode of the Mission Oriented Podcast, host Bob Louthan sits down with General Darren McDew, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), to reflect on a lifetime of leadership, service, and perspective shaped by 36 years in uniform. General McDew\u2019s story begins at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), where the values of teamwork, integrity, and resilience first took root. From there, his career path took him to the skies as an \u201caccidental pilot\u201d \u2014 thanks to an ROTC scholarship that set him on course for an extraordinary journey. Over time, he commanded at every level, culminating in his role as Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, one of the nation\u2019s most critical joint commands. Throughout the conversation, General McDew shares insights that go beyond military service: Beware of the Test \u2013 why life\u2019s toughest challenges aren\u2019t written on paper but show up unexpectedly, testing integrity and character. Power, Not Politics \u2013 how true leadership transcends divisions and focuses on responsibility to those you lead. Cyber, Drones, and New Frontiers \u2013 why today\u2019s threats keep him up at night, and what Americans should understand about vulnerabilities that affect us all. He also reflects on his personal philosophy, distilled into three words: Beware. Decide. Be. A framework that guided him through decades of command and continues to shape how he mentors the next generation of leaders. This episode is more than a conversation about military milestones. It\u2019s about values, responsibility, and the enduring need for leaders who walk the walk every single day. As General McDew puts it, \u201cDecide the kind of person you\u2019re going to be \u2014 and be it, not when it\u2019s convenient, but every day.\u201d \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Tune in to this landmark episode of the Mission Oriented Podcast to hear General Darren McDew\u2019s journey, wisdom, and lessons for both the military community and civilians alike. ","author_name":"Mission Oriented","author_url":"https:\/\/veterancrowdnetwork.com","html":"