Flying in the Face of Fear

Chapter 11CREATE YOUR OWN FLIGHT PLAN

“It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time.”

—Winston S. Churchill

Figure 11.1 Our wedding on September 18, 1999, with all of the Air Force Academy graduates in attendance. We represented classes from 1970 to 1997.

CHOOSING YOUR OWN PATH

I received a lot of advice during my career about what was expected of me or what assignments would be best for my career. Most of the time though, the root of the advice centered on the idea that my husband (also an A‐10 pilot) and I couldn't both be successful. It was made clear that we should expect to choose one career over another.

The best advice came from my commissioning officer when I graduated from the Air Force Academy: In examining your life [in 10–20 years] may contentment and peace fill your heart in knowing you were on the “right path.” Please remember, Kim, no one can tell you what that “path” is for you. Only you can choose the path that is right for you!

I have leaned on those words throughout my career. Nobody lives your life but you, so only you can choose the path that is right for you. My husband and I decided that although we appreciated the advice and care for our careers, we disagreed with choosing one career over another. We would continue doing what we loved until we decided it was time to do something else. We ...