Brigadier General Doug “Odie” Slocum
Doug “Odie” Slocum is a retired Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, known for his leadership and innovative safety programs. He commanded the 127th Wing to national acclaim and piloted over 4100 hours in America’s fiercest fighters. He has flown F- 4s, F-16s and A10s.
As the Chief of Safety, he authored the Air National Guard’s indigenous human factors for maintenance training curriculum (Maintenance Resource Management), and presented the curriculum to more than 40,000 Airmen. General Slocum served as program manager for the “Wingman Project” suicide prevention and resiliency initiative leveraging internet, social media and app technology to champion caring for people outreach, training and marketing. He conceived and launched the “Ready 54” resiliency campaign and the “Wingman Day” resource for the Air National Guard. He also initiated the DoD-wide mid-air collision avoidance program, “SeeandAvoid.org” now hosted by the Federal Aviation Administration.
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. In 2013, General Slocum was inducted into the U.S. Air Force Safety Hall of Fame. 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.” His awards include : Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster,
Slocum, who lives in Macomb Township with his wife and teenage daughter, serves on the boards of the Fisher House of Michigan, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and Women in Defense (WID), is a member of the Selfridge Base Community Council and the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, and was recently named a trustee for Walsh College. Gen. Slocum said he is proud to call Macomb ‘home.’
Slocum is a world-renowned educator and motivational speaker, having delivered over 750 presentations and authored more than 250 lessons, textbooks, and professional publications. His book, “Violent Positivity,” shares his leadership journey and lessons learned over 35 years in the Air Force.
He was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor in 2025.