WORTH THE READ: STEVE MAUS GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Steve Maus, an RAF Ambassador and estate/business succession planning professional.

What’s This About a Turtle?

Sitting in an orange rocker on the porch of the Ryan barn watching aircraft from all around the country during the RAF Fly In caused me a moment of reflection. Someone, something, or some event had to happen that allows me to enjoy this and other magical places we love as we fly around the country. This someone, something, or event did not begin with the guy I stare at in the mirror every morning.

One cannot walk down a sidewalk, sit on a park bench, walk through a museum, watch movie credits, attend a musical, go to the zoo, or just saunter through life without being reminded that people, events, or circumstances beyond our own making are what allows us to be so enriched. Enjoying Ryan Field demonstrates that these were not faceless, nameless, people. Ben, Butchie – and many others – are real people, just as those names on the park bench, a display at the museum, and the exhibit at the zoo. These honorable folks may be gone, but what they created is a wonderful reminder to each of us that people or events in our own lives have molded who we are, what we have become, and what we value.

Whether a brief or long-lasting influence, we may not even realize the impact at first. Maybe scouting, your scoutmaster taught you to build a fire, pitch a tent, or bait a hook. My scoutmaster’s name was Red. Do you remember yours? Maybe your 4-H leader? Civil Air Patrol? Those days may be gone, but not the memories, or the impact. Personally, my first solo takeoff became an emergency as soon as I lifted the gear. A fire truck with flashing lights met me upon landing. Ready to hang it up, John, my flight instructor said, “Go fly another plane right now — here’s the tail number!” John, wherever you are, thanks for being there for me. I am still in the air.

During the June RAF conference in Bozeman, I shared a story that I’m told is worthy of repeating for those who were not able to attend. Imagine a grandfather flying his young granddaughter into an RAF-supported backcountry airstrip, her introduction to the wonders of flying to special places. After an early morning flight, the two began a walk through the woods together. A short distance beyond, they came on an interesting sight. There was an old fence. On top of one of the fence posts sat a large turtle. The little girl turned to her grandfather and asked, “What is that turtle doing up there?” Granddad responded, “Turtles spend their entire life slowly moving from place to place with their noses no higher than a few inches from the ground. I suspect that turtle stopped at this fence post, looked up, and wished he could see a sunrise from a better vantage point.”

Isn’t this much like the storied past of the RAF? Someone came along before, made their generous mark on us, then continued quietly so others may enjoy the fruits of their efforts. 

Winston Churchill famously stated, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

There’s more to this story. Years later, the little girl who flew into the backcountry that day with her Granddad became an accomplished aviator. She, her husband, and little son now access many of the same magical places she learned about from her granddad. There is always a walk down a trail to look for another turtle gazing skyward…

Now, not everyone finds turtles warm and cuddly. But most folks have a passion for something that, thanks to someone or some special experience in their past, inspires them to go the extra mile to offer others the same uplifting passion or experience, like the Ryans, among others.  

If your wish were to help the RAF reach one of its goals, what would that be? What would it take to make this mutual wish become reality?  What could you do when you see someone gazing skyward?

Submitted July 16, 2024