Welcome to this Sunday’s Third Degree: Tough, Brief, Weekly Interrogations on matters public and private that force thinking and response. Today we target: Role Models and Mentors

  • When John Denver captured the magnetism and majesty of Colorado in a song destined to become the second state song joining an earlier “Where the Columbines Grow.” does the combination create a reaching out to spirit, but more, an expectation of inspired personal achievement?
  • Does the fronting Rampart Range of the Rockies offer enduring and towering welcome to those fortunate, but encumbered, United State Air Force Academy graduates and cadets who seek to join those ranks?
  • Was it never more true than last week’s 60th reunion of the class of 1963?
  • Does the exhilaration of ‘coming home’ and sharing memories and bonds of a lifetime reinforce the value of role models and mentors who shaped and continue to shape destinies?
  • Is the encumbrance, the long ago realization that lifetime service/contribution continues reinforced by Sam Walter Foss and his stirring poem “The Coming American” (later put to music)?
  • Are role model adoption and being mentored kindred actions?
  • Does a successful mentoring process require mutuality of effort, commitment and availability?
  • When my wife and I took my 92 year old mentor, retired Air Force Brigadier General Malham (Mal) Wakin and his wife, Lynn, to leisurely lunch last Friday, was it to, again, say thank you or seek wisdom? Both?
  • Present at the beginnings of the Academy, Mal was a professor of Philosophy who over the years rose in rank and responsibility to Vice Dean and Head of the Philosophy and Fine Arts department, but what made him so special?
  • Was it because he didn’t just teach, but rather molded by force of example, persuasion, intellectual rigor, highest ethical standards and care, so that cadets now numbering over 50,000 officer graduates are grateful beneficiaries?
  • For many, the “Mal and me’” interactions continued over the years and his nation wide appearances and sought after counsel by fortunate individuals, corporations, Olympic Committees, and more created a broad cohort of Wakin “Worthies” but is a legitimate worry who will, who can, take his place?
  • It had been a year since our last visit and time has not been his helpful ally, with powers diminished and needing care from others, but walking hand in hand into La Tartine on Academy Blvd for French Onion Soup, conversation and laughter, wasn’t it a moment to treasure?
  • On an airplane now, going back to the Midwest, these words come haltingly but with enormous respect and admiration knowing I am whatever man I may be but if there be qualities worthy of regard, Thank You Mal.

Socrates reminds: “The unexamined life is not worth living”. The answers and actions are yours?