Fly, Fight, Win to Overcome Adversity
Published on LinkedIn April 20, 2020 by David Dean Menzies Those of us affected professionally by the COVID-19 pandemic can look to the United States Air Force Academy’s Class of 2020 for inspiration. Saturday, April 18, was not the traditional graduation the 967 cadets had envisioned back in 2016 when beginning the long, hard road toward becoming commissioned officers. No applause from family and friends echoing throughout 46,692-seat Falcon Stadium. No marching across the stage to shake the hand of a national leader and receive a diploma. And most heart-wrenching, no celebratory hugs with incredibly close classmates—brothers and sisters—who’ve literally shared blood, sweat, and tears throughout four years of intense academic, military, and leadership training. My wife and I watched a live stream of the graduation ceremony on YouTube in part because of a connection we feel with USAFA. Our oldest son is a 2017 graduate, currently serving our nation in a global hot spot al...