Page 176 - Never Fly Solo

SERVICE BEFORE SELF | 149
avoiding enemy forces, at which time both pilots bailed out
and were eventually rescued. 1

NEVER LEAVE YOUR WINGMAN BEHIND

What an amazing story of wingmanship. This is how we serve
above all. I have to admit that in combat there were times
when I wasn’t flying for my country. Believe me, I doubt that
Pardo and Aman were thinking of their country, either, during
their emergency. What you think about is taking care of your
buddy and making sure you all get home alive. You never
leave a wingman behind.
Imagine if everyone in the armed services turned around
and ran when their wingmen needed help. Now imagine how
cohesive your organization would be if it were filled with
dedicated, service-oriented wingmen like Pardo.
Who in your squadron may be running out of fuel and
looking for help? Are you turning a blind eye, or are you
extending one of your wings in service? Today it may be
someone else who needs help, but who’s to say that tomorrow
it couldn’t be you? Sometimes the tiniest gesture of kindness
can make all the difference to someone who is hurting inside.
After all, you don’t know what’s going on in the mind or the
life of the wingman in the cubicle next to you. Maybe her
spouse is out of work, his child is ill, or her 401(k) account is
in a free-fall. You just never know. But a wingman goes above
and beyond.

1. John L. Frisbee, “Valor: Pardo’s Push,” Air Force Magazine, October 1996, www
.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/1996/October%201996/1096
valor.aspx.