Off we go, into the wild, blue yonder!
If you were on social media at all this weekend, you may have seen a proud dad moment as I posted about my son JT's graduation from pilot training with the US Air Force. It was a long time in coming. Although he was awarded a flight spot right out of college he was medically disqualified because of a history of migraines as a child. He was assigned to be an intelligence officer instead and served in South Korea and the Middle East, among other duty stations. During that time he re-applied to flight school and for a medical waiver. Four years later he was finally cleared and started pilot training over a year ago. We are so happy for him and proud of him. But because of this #&^) virus, we were not able to be there to celebrate with him.
As we watched the ceremony online I was already emotional. I was holding it together when they called his name until they announced that he was going on to F-15 school and was also the winner of the Warrior Award. The award, they explained, was for the student the instructor pilots voted as the person they would most want by their side going into combat. I broke down. The accumulation of the circumstances pushed me over the edge. It was a great accomplishment. But what higher honor could there be than to be the one person others would want to have by their sides at the most critical junctures of life.
Who would that person be for you? And what would it take to be that person for our family, friends and co-workers? I've been thinking about that all weekend. What characteristics go into being a Warrior that people would want by their side or in their corner? Here are my thoughts.
- Skilled: Having people by your side who are excellent at what they do and experts in their field is always good to have
- Trustworthy: You can be an expert, but you are of little use if you can't be counted on to be there when the going gets tough. During hard times I don't want to have to look to my right and left to see who is by my side; I want to be able to trust those wing men and women are there
- Courageous; Not only do I want people to be by my side, I would love to have teammates who will jump in front of everyone and lead the charge no matter how much the landmines are exploding.
- Tough or gritty: When I think tough or gritty I think of those with indomitable spirits, who just won't quit. Who are willing to get dirty.
What about you? What characteristics would you want to develop for yourself and your team?? Shoot me a note and let me know.
Chris Buda
Executive Director
The Pittsburgh Experiment
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Wow Chris! This is awesome! Congrats JT! It was 30 years ago this year that I graduated from pilot training. Reese AFB Class 90-10. This post brings back a lot of memories. Merry Christmas to the Buda family!
Senior Recruiter at M.C. Dean, Inc.
4 年Awesome!
Realtor? at Coldwell Banker Realty "The Realtor? who CARES"
4 年Really great article and what a precious memory for you! Congratulations to your son! And thank you for applying value to all through a great life experience ????