Those Who Risk All are the Real Deal

This morning was a treat when the phone rang and it was my flying buddy and good friend, of more than three and a half decades, on the line. I think of him often as he has "been there" as an actively-engaged buddy all these years.

Meeting on March 26, 1979, I was a young pilot just 24 years old. It was the first day of New Hire Pilot Training at the Western Airlines Training Center in Los Angeles. Being a New Hire at the oldest airline in the United States was my childhood dream, and it was finally within my grasp.

Our backgrounds were as different as night and day. He, a decorated Fighter Pilot with two Distinguished Flying Cross' medals, had risked his life while contributing more than two hundred missions to our country's freedom. Me? I had flown Civilian aircraft with no particular threat to my life while making no particular contribution to others. I was a skinny kid of 170 pounds, dressed in a bleached white shirt my mother had ironed for me, a super-wide tie, and an inexpensive polyester suit that didn't fit quite right.

Excited as I was being hired-on to a major airline, I took a seat in the front of the classroom so I could take-in all that was to be learned. It was important I sit up front because missing anything just wasn’t an option. Having worked very hard for seven long years to become qualified for this awesome career job, I did not want to "wash-out" in training.

Into the classroom walked this guy, a mature fellow 34 years of age, wearing an expensive herringbone jacket and wool slacks, silk tie, his hair jelled-back, with a swagger that would make John Wayne proud. He walked right up and said straight-away, "get out of my chair."

I was shocked and after a moment, replied back a stupid "huh?", while assessing whether I could whup him or not. Fortunately for me, I controlled any ill response. It would not have been a good thing to get fired the first day on the job!

No more had my mind processed these thoughts than a big smile came across his face as he said, "I'm just pulling your chain, Mike, just kidding. For seniority purposes, the oldest guys traditionally sit up in front and the youngest guys sit in the back of the room. By the way, I'm Don." That was the exact moment our friendship began and one that has lasted 39 years.

Don was later selected from his peers to become an FAA Designated Check Pilot and eventually Chief Pilot of what is now one of the world’s largest Airlines. Throughout his years at the airline, remarkably, he continued to give to his country as an Air National Guard pilot. Interestingly, one of his friends in the Guard was the celebrity Dean Martin Jr., a fellow squadron pilot who, tragically, perished during his service.

Throughout the years and usually over cool drinks, details of his military service to our country came out but just a little bit at a time. Stories including the loss of a fellow pilot who was his room-mate, other buddies that were lost, more details of the job he did to protect our way of life, our freedom, and our country, were shared with me.

I, personally, am grateful for the years of his worthwhile thoughts and suggestions contributed to me and my family. The little "bumps and nudges" he provided me went well-above and beyond what one might expect from just another guy. Like a brother, Don has always been there “having my back,” and with others' interests at heart too. The Code. What is it about this guy that makes him stand a full two feet taller than all others?

Anyone who is selfless, caring and has a willingness to contribute to others is tops in my book. Being always ready with a helping hand to Country, family, and to friends is really something special.

"Tag you're it," said this war hero of our country and my good friend as we were about to hang up. It means simply that it is my turn to call next, but darn, I forgot to say, "thank you for your service, Happy Memorial Day, and thank you for your endearing friendship."

I had to call back, properly convey those words, then it was my turn to say, "tag, you're it!"

A most wonderful Memorial Day to those who give, risk it all, and still give to others.   You are the absolute real deal.

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The Michael Hatfield RE/MAX Team leverages *Five Star Agent* experience helping clients buy or sell in the San Francisco Bay Area. Michael is also heard regularly on KCBS 740am/106.9fm radio.

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