Risk Management Magazine

You know that moment when someone looks back on their life and wishes they’d chosen a different path? For me, this was that moment. Just envision a miniature angel standing on one shoulder and a devil on the other. This time, the devil won. 

My friends and I were pumped for the upcoming bow-hunting season. For the past 11 years, we’d gotten together to hunt on a 600-plus-acre farm we signed a lease to use. For us, the property is sort of a retreat from the everyday grind because it’s very secluded and has few amenities. Little did we know that this trip would nearly have a tragic outcome.

I have had the pleasure of attending some of the best schools the Army has to offer. One school recently taught me the valuable lesson of knowing my personal limitations regarding high-altitude flight.