Page 173 - Never Fly Solo

146 | NEVER FLY SOLO
His eyes brightened, and he tried to talk, but all he could
do was mumble. He was quite excited, and the words ran
from his mouth, but I couldn’t understand a thing. His wife
was crying.
What should I say to this man who was in such an awful
state? I firmly gripped his arm, and I said the first thing that
came to my mind, “I’m proud of you, Sergeant Summers.”
I wanted to let him know that despite his condition,
despite how scared he must be, I was proud of him for fight-
ing this like a man. If it were me in his place, I’m not sure how
I would react. He needed some serious encouragement.
“Sergeant Summers, you better get well quick!” I said
eagerly. “We’re deploying in three weeks, and the squadron
needs you. I need you! Can you do that for me?” I wanted to
let him know he was still needed. I wanted to give him some-
thing to fight for.
He got even more excited and was apparently trying to
explain something to me. He continued mumbling uncontrol-
lably, and I had no idea what he was saying. And that’s when
the tears started streaming down his face. My heart broke for
him, and there was nothing I could do.
I knew very well that his chances of wearing his Air Force
uniform again and serving his country were close to zero, and
I think he knew it, too. His life was forever changed.
And then I felt ashamed. I realized what a terrible wing-
man I had been to him. A man with a family and a life, with
hopes and dreams, was suffering, and all I cared about was
myself, my job, and not looking bad in front of my squadron.
I was upset about not being able to fly that day, but here was
someone who might not even be able to walk again. I didn’t
have a clue about leadership.
Sergeant Summers worked for me. He was my wingman,
but I treated him like a stranger. When he was working those