[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 138 (Monday, August 20, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S5718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO GENERAL DARREN W. McDEW

  Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, it is my honor and privilege to pay tribute 
to an outstanding leader and warrior, Air Force Gen. Darren W. McDew, 
commander of U.S. Transportation Command. General McDew is retiring 
this month, having served this great Nation for 36 years and completing 
a most distinguished career.
  General McDew graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1982, 
where he was regimental commander and received a degree in civil 
engineering. A command pilot in both the KC-135 and C-17, General McDew 
held assignments from Maine to California, while accumulating over 
3,300 hours in 10 different types of aircraft.
  His desire to serve grew from the example set by his father who 
achieved the rank of master sergeant in the Air Force. General McDew 
has commanded at virtually every level that the Air Force has to offer: 
squadron, group, wing, numbered Air Force, and major command. His first 
command was of the 14th Airlift Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base. 
He often speaks of his time leading the mighty Pelicans in the great 
State of South Carolina as being one of his most rewarding assignments.
  A constant voice of reason, motivation, and inspiration, General 
McDew has devoted his life to this Nation. He has provided counsel to 
three Presidents, served as the Air Force liaison to the U.S. Senate, 
and built trust with the American people as the Air Force's Director of 
Public Affairs. I personally have sought his advice, as have my 
colleagues. The Members of this Chamber and workers across many parts 
of the Federal Government will miss his leadership and candor.
  General McDew's illustrious career is culminating with his current 
position, where he leads the 144,000 men and women of U.S. 
Transportation Command. He is responsible for coordinating the 
Department of Defense's global deployment and distribution enterprise. 
His transformational leadership has bolstered readiness, increased 
cyber awareness and security, and prepared the Department of Defense 
for challenging transportation and logistics missions in the future. He 
challenged old ways of thinking and compelled the Joint Force to adapt 
and evolve for the dynamic and uncertain security environment of 
tomorrow.
  For 36 years, his wife, Evelyn, has selflessly cared for the families 
under his command and in their community. I cannot overstate the 
importance of the support the spouses and families provide to their 
servicemember in our Armed Forces. Service and sacrifice are not 
limited to just the servicemember, but often extends to the entire 
family. On behalf of the Senate, we thank Evelyn and their children, 
Keisha and Keith, for their dedicated service to our military and our 
Nation. The Air Force will not lose just General McDew, but an 
exceptional family as well upon his retirement.
  I would like to help close out the final chapter of this inspiring 
airman and Joint Force leader's career with a heartfelt thank you from 
all the men and women of the U.S. Senate, the Congress, and Nation. 
General McDew, Godspeed. We thank you, Evelyn, and the entire McDew 
family, for their service over a remarkable 36-year career. We wish you 
well in your future endeavors, and we pray that those who follow in 
your footsteps do so in the same spirit of selfless service to our 
great Nation that you have so ably shown.

                          ____________________