Fullfilling a commitment to a friend

I recently had the opportunity to speak about how I fulfilled a commitment to a friend of mine at our company’s national leadership conventions in St. Louis and Palm Springs. I shared a personal story about a dear friend, Mike Mann, who had battled cancer for a number of years. He won his battle initially, but the cancer returned shortly thereafter and sadly he passed away in the fall of 2007.

I was amazed Mike’s positive attitude throughout his battle with cancer and the tenacity with which he fought. Even through all the hardships, he pressed forward with his love of running, graduated from college, and retired from the military while never letting his fight with cancer get in the way of accomplishing his goals. A few days before he passed away I was blessed by phone call from Mike and he quickly updated me on how things were going. However, I will always remember how he quickly started to encourage me to never give up on my dreams and goals in life.

Of all the times in his life, at that moment he could have been focused on himself. However, Mike was always focused on others and that is the epitome of a true leader. Leaders care for others first and are always encouraging, mentoring, and coaching. Mike’s friendship, support, and encouragement will never be forgotten. He spoke to me in a time in my life when I needed it most. Mike passed away a few days later but his memory and the positive impact he had on my life will always be remembered.

After my speech in St. Louis and Palm Springs, a number of people have asked if I could share a picture of Mike and me together. Posted above is a picture of us at the US National Cross Country Championships in Indianapolis, February 2004. (Feel free to laugh at my attire! I am the tall guy in the middle that according to my wife looks like a cross between a speed skater and a soccer player in this photo.) For years Mike earned a spot on the Air Force Cross Country Team each spring and again on the Air Force Marathon Team in the fall that ran in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. He is pictured above wearing number 222. Every member of the Air Force athletic community who was blessed to know Mike knew he was the heart and soul of that team.

I am very grateful for the memories I shared with Mike and the leadership example he set. He will always be remembered for his unwavering support of others and his passionate pursuit of his dreams.

Comments

[Robert Dickie III]

Rick,

Good eyes! You are right, that is your buddy Mike Michno. I have had the good fortune to make a number of Air Force Teams with Mike. He is a great guy!

VR, Robert L. Dickie III

[Rick Westerhof]

Dear Mr. Dickie,

I was just wondering if that is Mike Michno second from the left? I went to school with Mike at Hillsdale College.

Thanks

Rick

[Robert Dickie III]

S. Mo,

Thank you for writing in. I prayed that Mike's story would be motivation for everyone. It is amazing how a little encouragement can go a long way and you never know when you take a few minutes out of your day to encourage a friend how powerful that might be! We have all heard that everyone is susceptible to leadership. I think everyone is equally suceptible to encouragement and that is one thing that Mike always did for everyone around him! He certainly made a difference in my life!

Sincerely,

Robert L. Dickie III

[Robert Dickie III]

Mike, Thanks for your kind words. I do believe that talk will come out on CD in the near future. I am proud of you for taking the time and effort to run a marathon. I think you will enjoy it and learn a lot about yourself in the process. I am also proud of you for supporting the Team in Training. That is a great organization and I participated with a group in Little Rock Arkansas when I lived there and was amazed at what they were able to accomplish. Thank you for doing your part to make a difference in the world and keep me posted on how your training is going!

Sincerely,

Robert L. Dickie III

[S.Mo]

Thanks so much for sharing your story in St. Louis! It was absolutely amazing; just the whole atmosphere of the day. People were hanging on to your every word. The way you told the story.. people could feel what you felt. It was amazing. Thanks again for sharing it with us!

[Mike]

Hey Mr. Dickie! I would just like to say that I am very sorry about your friend Mike! That speech you gave in St. Louis was absolutely amazing, is that coming on CD? I would just like to let you know that I am a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training and am training to run a marathon in Alaska on June 21st! I am running for people who have cancer and trying to raise money for those who can't afford medications and research, I know its not the same type of Cancer as Mike but that story of yours just keeps me motivated to keep on training and hopefully raise my personal amount in time! If you would like to donate that would help out a lot! I don't mean to seem forward but it truly would help out a lot and if not maybe you should check into it especially if you want to keep running! :) Well take Care Mr. Dickie!