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’s 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 “accidental pilot” — 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’s most critical joint commands.
Throughout the conversation, General McDew shares insights that go beyond military service:
- Beware of the Test – why life’s toughest challenges aren’t written on paper but show up unexpectedly, testing integrity and character.
- Power, Not Politics – how true leadership transcends divisions and focuses on responsibility to those you lead.
- Cyber, Drones, and New Frontiers – why today’s 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’s about values, responsibility, and the enduring need for leaders who walk the walk every single day. As General McDew puts it, “Decide the kind of person you’re going to be — and be it, not when it’s convenient, but every day.”
🎙️ Tune in to this landmark episode of the Mission Oriented Podcast to hear General Darren McDew’s journey, wisdom, and lessons for both the military community and civilians alike.
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Darren McDew LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-mcdew-42362988/
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About Your Host
Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.