Page 167 - Never Fly Solo

140 | NEVER FLY SOLO
A “new day, new jet” wingman brings these intentions
into the game, into the fight—and as a good wingman, you’ll
do the same:

• “I’m not interested in what you did last time—I
want to see what you can do now.”
• “Your win is my win.”
• “I’m your biggest cheerleader.”
• “I will hold you accountable.”
• “I will encourage you to improve.”
• “I am here, and I will spot you when you need it.”
• “I am not about to let you fail!”

Maj. Jerry Free was my true wingman on that crucial day.
He held the keys to my future in his hands, but he also said to
me loud and clear, “I believe in you. Now, go and take off!”

THE BEST WAY TO FIND WINGMEN IS TO
BE ONE

Of course, mistakes are inevitable. But what really counts is
what you do about them and how your wingmen help you
overcome them on a new day, with a new jet. Through com-
bat missions, claustrophobia, moving from the military to the
business world, and starting my own company, there were
times when I didn’t think I would make it. And yet, in my
journey, I had people who helped inspire and motivate me
along the way. These key wingmen, like Major Free, always
seemed to appear at just the right moment.
Make no mistake: if I hadn’t performed to standard,
Major Free had an obligation to fail me. But the failure was
literally in my hands. Major Free didn’t fly my jet for me, but