Episode 34: Life Lessons as a Fighter Pilot - Colonel Gary "Tonka" Rose, USAF, Ret.

Colonel Gary "Tonka" Rose, USAF, Ret. shares some lessons learned over his career as a fighter pilot in the world's greatest Air Force. He flew the mighty F-15C and is a Weapons School graduate. Tonka's story is one of perseverance and a constant pursuit of excellence. While this episode is primed for aspiring fighter pilots wanting to learn more about the profession, these lessons can be carried over into any line of work.

00:00 - Intro

00:50 - Inspiration to Become a Fighter Pilot

03:50 - Path to Become a Fighter Pilot

 10:00 - Attending VMI (Virginia Military Institute)

30:10 - Attending Air Force Pilot Training

49:10 - First Flight in the F-15C Eagle

56:05 - First Assignment to Germany to Fly the F-15C

1:16:45 - Path to Weapons School

1:26:05 - Air War College Thesis - Bold Leadership

1:35:00 - Moving On From the Air Force - The "Fini-Flight"

1:47:30 - Final Thoughts and Outro

Recommended Books:

1. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
2. Fighter Pilot by Robin Olds
3. Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob P. Buford

The Mike White Podcast Links:

https://linktr.ee/themikewhitepod