SECAF visits University of Tennessee Air Force ROTC cadets Published Nov. 10, 2009 By Cadet Hope R. Cronin KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- The 22nd Secretary of the Air Force, Michael B. Donley, spoke to more than 40 cadets and active-duty staff from the University of Tennessee's Air Force ROTC Detachment Oct. 23 at the UT College of Business Administration. This occasion marked the first time Secretary Donley addressed Air Force ROTC cadets since being appointed to office October 2008. Secretary Donley visited UT to participate in the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century executive leadership training, which stresses continuous process improvement to enhance Air Force performance in all mission areas. The Center for Executive Education in UT's College of Business Administration is partnering with the Air Force through a $25 million contract to ensure Airmen of all ranks can apply proven, process improvement methodologies. "I'd love to find out what's on your mind -- see what the Air Force looks like from the ROTC level, from a student's level," Secretary Donley said. "I want to see what careers and aspirations that you're bringing to our Air Force, which is very important to our future." Cadet Timothy McLerran, 21, said he feels he has a better understanding of what the future holds for the Air Force and how he will be affected by the changes the Air Force is adapting to once he enters active duty. "It was a huge honor to get to meet with the Secretary of the Air Force, especially with us being the first detachment he's ever visited," Cadet McLerran said. Secretary Donley spoke to the cadets about the changing strategic environment and how the Air Force is adapting to meet those changes. He stressed the need for strong leadership from junior officers and the importance of taking care of Airmen. Secretary Donley highlighted the "top five priorities" for the Air Force. Cadet Ethan Frazier, 20, said he values the perspective he gained from Secretary Donley. "I appreciated getting to hear his thoughts on the situation in the Middle East," Cadet Frazier said. "It's one thing hearing and seeing it from the news, but to hear it directly from the man in charge is special." "The University of Tennessee training supports AFSO21 by helping Airmen identify performance gaps and find innovative and effective ways to accomplish the mission," the secretary said. "It helps us bring everyone together to solve problems, exploit opportunities and maximize efficiencies. Tennessee's training and research efforts are helping us strengthen war-winning capabilities and improve our quality service." The AFSO21 program is scheduled to be available as a new professional development training option for Air Force ROTC cadets starting in summer 2010.