Of all my accomplishments I may have achieved during the war, I am proudest of the fact that I never lost a wingman.
Interpretation
Valuing the safety and well-being of others over personal achievements is the greatest accomplishment.
This quote expresses deep pride in the ability to protect and support one's allies during difficult times, particularly in the context of war. Erich Hartmann highlights that while personal victories may be significant, the true measure of success lies in the commitment to ensuring that those who depend on you, in this case 'wingmen', remain safe and unharmed.
In practice
This quote can be shared in a military leadership seminar to emphasize the importance of teamwork.
One thing I've learned is this: Never allow yourself to hate a people because of the actions of a few. Hatred and bigotry destroyed my nation, and millions died. I would hope that most people did not hate Germans because of the Nazis, or Americans because of slaves. Never hate, it only eats you alive. Keep an open mind and always look for the good in people. You may be surprised at what you find.
One tiny Hobbit against all the evil the world could muster. A sane being would have given up, but Samwise burned with a magnificent madness, a glowing obsession to surmount every obstacle, to find Frodo, destroy the Ring, and cleanse Middle Earth of its festering malignancy. He knew he would try again. Fail, perhaps. And try once more. A thousand, thousand times if need be, but he would not give up the quest.
Brave men rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph in war.
We must be courageous but also reasonable. The world admires us for walking a tightrope without falling off. It asks us to keep our balance.
You have a right to say no. Most of us have very weak and flaccid 'no' muscles. We feel guilty for saying no. We get ostracized and challenged for saying no, so we forget it's our choice. Your 'no' muscle has to be built up to get to a place where you can say, 'I don't care if that's what you want. I don't want that. No.'
I went to Iraq in 2004 because I believe in doing my duty, not because I agreed with the war.
Sjogren's is something you live with your whole life. The good news for me is now I know what's happening after spending years not knowing... I feel like I can get better and move on.
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