Keep The Plane Flying
Outside military circles, three-star general Brad Webb may not be a household name. However, you know who he is. The now retired general grew up in Austin but spent 38 years in the Air Force. During his career, Webb flew more than 3,700 hours, mainly in helicopters, including 117 combat hours over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia. He finished his career in San Antonio as the Commander of the Air Education and Training Center.
To jog your memory, pull any article documenting the Situation Room the night Osama Bin Laden’s compound was raided by SEAL Team Six. Surrounded by President Obama, Secretary of Defense Gates and a room of U.S. heavy weights sits Webb, providing real time surveillance and analysis of the mission.
My students at Texas Lutheran University were fortunate to have General Webb lecture on making good decisions in life.
In looking at General Webb’s resume, one would think he is a natural athlete, great in the classroom and everything is easy. As such, many were surprised when Webb acknowledged he struggled transitioning from high school to the Air Force Academy. Webb took remedial reading and typing and was on and off academic probation his first year.
However, this was a pivotal moment for the young airman. He quickly learned that buckling down and working hard allowed him to overcome many obstacles. To succeed, he had to be in the classroom giving full attention. Webb recognized how important a proper mindset is to success, adding that, “All organizations want employees who work hard with a great attitude.”
General Webb shared a story about a C-130 cargo pilot who heavily damaged his plane coming in for a landing. It was the pilot’s responsibility to care for the expensive plane and the damage was his fault. The pilot was disciplined, sent home, and deemed “unqualified” as a pilot.
It would have been extremely easy to walk away from the Air Force. General Webb stated this is one of those moments that can define who you are, if you allow it. Instead, the “unqualified” pilot rose up and sought more schooling. He accepted responsibility for the mistake and in a determined manner, rebuilt his career.
Although this event may have slowed the pilot’s progression, he took ownership, received additional training and spent each day improving. Webb estimated that at the next round of promotions, the pilot who was once deemed “unqualified” would be up for the rank of general.
Don’t let one bad event define who you are. We all make mistakes. What matters is how we react. Webb added the single best skill to possess is resiliency. When faced with obstacles, respond with grit and perseverance. You can overcome many challenges through tenacity and the proper mental outlook.
General Webb then shared a few thoughts about flying. He said when soaring along, and a red warning light begins flashing you cannot freeze and just stare at the red light. If you do, you will crash. Instead, retain your composure and maintain control of the aircraft. Once you gain stability, analyze the situation, and take appropriate action. Never forget to keep flying the plane.
As you evaluate this personally, consider the threat of inflation, recession, political infighting, or war. Each are red warning lights upon your finances. Despite these issues, you must retain composure and intelligently manage your investment portfolio and household. Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture or go down unhealthy rabbit holes.
When asked how Webb and his team prepared for missions, the general responded that you fall back on years of education, training, practice, and experience. He added that you are also doing it for the brother or sister next to you. Whether in the military or civilian life, we all exist to serve someone.
The general was then asked, “How do you prepare when you know you’ll be criticized?” Webb replied that all leaders are criticized, especially with the benefit of hindsight. Knowing that, ask yourself, “Am I informed, have I sought appropriate counsel, and have I acted with proper intent?” If you follow this discipline, you are prepared.
As General Webb finished his two-hour discussion, with a sincere smile on his face he said he retired from the military “gratified and satisfied.” We should all be as disciplined, driven, appreciative and fortunate.
Dave Sather is a Certified Financial Planner and the CEO of the Sather Financial Group, a fee-only strategic planning and investment management firm.