This brought to mind a story I can't forget. I'm a history major, and I came across an interview with a USAF fighter pilot from WW2.
He was escorting bombers back to their carrier in the Pacific. Their run was finished, and they were on
"cruise control" when disaster struck. A Japanese fighter came out of nowhere and opened fire on the bombers, one of which was shot down.
Since the fighters were unprepared (fuel mixtures were set to 'lean') they were not able to engage the enemy force, being underpowered. Reaction and response time were delayed and pursuit was impossible. Defence had been compromised by a relaxed attitude.
The pilot in the interview was visibly distraught, even after more than 50 years since the event. The responsibility to protect the bombers was his, and he had failed, costing men their lives in the process.
While not every situation that involves unpreparedness is this dramatic, the message that I received from this incident has marked my life. There is much to be gained by thinking of what happens to "the next guy" in your life, whether you leave them with a smile or an insult, rudeness or compassion. Who will receive the fruits which your seeds planted?
Before every major storm, we see empty shelves in supermarkets because people have failed to do what authorities say they must do in places where storms are a regular occurrence. As a result, many aren't prepared with even the basics. Your column is a good reminder.
This brought to mind a story I can't forget. I'm a history major, and I came across an interview with a USAF fighter pilot from WW2.
He was escorting bombers back to their carrier in the Pacific. Their run was finished, and they were on
"cruise control" when disaster struck. A Japanese fighter came out of nowhere and opened fire on the bombers, one of which was shot down.
Since the fighters were unprepared (fuel mixtures were set to 'lean') they were not able to engage the enemy force, being underpowered. Reaction and response time were delayed and pursuit was impossible. Defence had been compromised by a relaxed attitude.
The pilot in the interview was visibly distraught, even after more than 50 years since the event. The responsibility to protect the bombers was his, and he had failed, costing men their lives in the process.
While not every situation that involves unpreparedness is this dramatic, the message that I received from this incident has marked my life. There is much to be gained by thinking of what happens to "the next guy" in your life, whether you leave them with a smile or an insult, rudeness or compassion. Who will receive the fruits which your seeds planted?
Make each moment count.
Before every major storm, we see empty shelves in supermarkets because people have failed to do what authorities say they must do in places where storms are a regular occurrence. As a result, many aren't prepared with even the basics. Your column is a good reminder.
On the dot .