NOVEMBER 27, 2024 – Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton visited Virginia Tech Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 875 to engage with cadets and civilian students and discuss national defense challenges and strategies in Blacksburg, Nov. 19.
Landing on the drillfield in a UH-1N Twin Huey, Dalton’s arrival sparked excitement throughout the campus. While Dalton was escorted to her first briefing, cadets had the unique opportunity to board the helicopter and engage with the flight crew, gaining firsthand insight into the aircraft’s operations.
Dalton addressed the detachment during their weekly-scheduled Leadership Laboratory, where she focused on preparing for evolving threats and highlighting challenges in cyber and space warfare. She noted that the Space Force was created to address the increasingly congested and contested space domain.
“Leaning more into a proliferated and resilient approach to our space architecture is the direction we’re headed,” Dalton said.
She also shared her leadership philosophy and advice for young officers.
“The challenges we face are too big for one person to master alone. Empower your people, stay humble, and leave ego at the door,” she said.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel A. DeVoe, Air Force District of Washington and 320th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, serves as a mentor to Detachment 875 and similarly highlighted the critical role of teamwork in achieving mission success.
Following Dalton’s brief to more than 330 cadets, cadre and civilian students, she had the opportunity to engage with Detachment 875’s upcoming commissioning class. Drawing on her extensive expertise, she offered valuable insights and addressed questions in a more personal setting.
“It’s such a critical time for us as a nation, and I just know the incredible talent and commitment of our Airmen and Guardians coming from Virginia Tech are going to enable us to meet these challenges,” she said.
By Cadet Vanessa Barsoom
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 875