As summer officially begins, the Veterans Commitee at The War Memorial is excited to host a book talk with Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Doug “Odie” Slocum about his new book “Violent Positivity.”
The free event is planned for Thursday, June 27 at 6 p.m.
The Veterans Committee, new in 2023, has a goal to offer more initiatives and programs for veterans. From family events to seminars that are pertinent to those who have honorably served our country, The War Memorial is eager to give back to our veterans!
About “Violent Positivity”
From growing up as a “military brat” to a career as a fighter pilot in the Air Force and Air National Guard, Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Doug “Odie” Slocum chronicles his journey of experiences and lessons that led to his people-centric approach to leadership, which he calls “Violent Positivity.”
During 35 years of innovating programs for safety, organizational culture, suicide prevention, resiliency, and more, Odie’s intense passion for fostering encouragement and excellence has made a profound positive impact on individuals and organizations—not only saving lives but also improving military combat capability.
About Retired Brig. Gen. Doug “Odie” Slocum
Retiring as a Brigadier General in 2019, Doug “Odie” Slocum has 35 years of experience with the Air Force and the Air National Guard. His last assignment was as the Commanding General of the 127th Wing and Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Under his leadership, the men and women of the base earned numerous accolades including awards for being the top Air National Guard Wing in the country, the top fighter aircraft organization, the most efficient aerial tanker Wing in the Air Force, and only the third Air National Guard Wing in history to receive the Meritorious Unit Award for “outstanding devotion and exceptional performance.”
Slocum is well known for his leadership style which has been branded as “violent positivity.” Prior to coming to Michigan in 2014, he was the Air National Guard Inspector General in Washington D.C.
He is the recipient of DTE’s 2019 Environmental Steward of the Year Award, Macomb County’s 2018 Economic Partner of the Year, and was inducted into the Macomb County Hall of Fame in 2017. Odie is a world-renowned educator and acclaimed motivational speaker having delivered more than 750 presentations or keynote addresses to over 150,000 attendees.
Odie is a career fighter pilot with more than 4,100 hours flying F-4, F-16, and A-10 aircraft – the top 1% of experienced fighter pilots in the Air Force. As an instructor pilot, he has personally authored more than 250 lessons, textbooks, and professional publications. He also served as the Air National Guard Director of Safety, where he is credited with leading the four safest years in the organization’s history.
Odie is active in the community and as a veteran advocate, serving on the boards of the Fisher House of Michigan and the National Defense Industrial Association, Selfridge Military Air Museum, and is a member of Women in Defense, the Selfridge Base Community Council, and the Macomb County Chamber.
He resides in Macomb Township with his wife and 17-year-old daughter.