In the spirit of Can't Hurt Me and Grateful American, a decorated F-16 fighter pilot-who was awarded the Whitehouse Volunteer Service medal by President George W. Bush and was named one of ABC World News' Persons of the Year-shares his self-help and spiritual philosophy, guiding readers toward a life filled with faith, purpose, and essence.As a United States Air Force fighter pilot, Lt Colonel Dan Rooney is among a select group of elite warriors. Yet for many years, this skilled fighter pilot who flew F-16s over the Persian Gulf measured his stature by others' perceptions. Driven by a fear of failure, he sought external affirmation and material success. Like many in the military, he struggled with post combat anxiety and depression. But it was his belief in God and the powerful tenants of a self-created philosophy which made him eventually see life as a positive and dynamic force to be embraced. His code of living, CAVU, was forged by his Air Force experience and in his personal storm of life. An aeronautical term, CAVU-Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited-describes the optimal flying conditions: skies are bright and blue, with no physical obstructions or dangers. But in daily life, most days are far from perfect. We all encounter struggle and the daily grind wears us down. We begin to course through life on autopilot, and before we know it, our aspirations, dreams, passion, and resolve are gone. CAVU is a code of living designed to help anyone reclaim that fire of self-determination, to see the benefit of weathering the storms of our life and turning them into new, clearly realized visions.Fly Into the Wind introduces CAVU to everyone. Each chapter centers around a particular lesson (line of effort) and offers a positive vector toward a new code of living. Rooney helps us discover a renewed belief in ourselves and the art of the possible. Part spiritual guide and part call-to-action, it combines his stories as a pilot, philanthropist, and PGA golf professional with his discovery of faith and purpose. At a time when our divisions are growing, Rooney reminds us that we are connected more than we realize, and that the path to greatness begins with changing ourselves.
