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.
