Pilot. Father. Christ Follower. All of these things and more describe Colonel Sweeny, a man who spent over 20 years in the U.S. Airforce. As Sweeny presents his enthralling story of courage to the children of Four Corners Co-op, he tells them all about the struggles of training, flying, and the fear that accompanies such big escapades. He also tells them why he decided to become a pilot: to protect and be of service to those he loves. 

 

Colonel Sweeny didn’t become a pilot overnight! He had a lot to learn and overcome before he could officially join the airforce. First, Sweeny was tested to make sure he could handle the intense pressure of being in a plane. He was put in a simulation that gave the sensations of G-forces and gravity. If he passed out, he was not fit for the Airforce. However, Sweeny did not give in to the simulation, and managed to stop himself from passing out cold. 

 

After this first step, it was time for the grind. Sweeny and his fellow cadets had to memorize huge books of military terms, maps, etc. This part was especially hard for Sweeny, as he says “I was not good at math. I was not good at science. I was good at music, history, and English. So when I got to where…they were going to decide who gets to fly--we started with 80 and ended with 22, I was one of those 22…With my weakness in math and science-and almost all of this is math and science-I was able to work through that…but not by myself.”

 

 Sweeny’s friends and family helped him with this, as he says “There were people in my life that helped me get through the hurdles in life I had with math and science…and then I worked with tutors…the people that have brought you here love you, I know that because it’s a sacrifice for them to do it.”

 

 Books, terms, and math weren’t the only things to know when you’re a pilot. Sweeny obviously also had to know how to fly. He memorized dozens of buttons and their meanings, and he remarks that navigating and pressing all these buttons in flight is very similar to playing an instrument like the piano. Sweeny also struggled with keeping his hand steady while steering. But with the help of God, he also overcame this, as he says “[Christ’s] arms encircle me.” 

 

When Sweeny graduated from training, was assigned to different places around the world. Though his home was in Terrahote, he traveled to Crete, Italy, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Nevada, and more. 

 

There are many other things that come with flying. For example, all pilots have to wear a parachute vest in case of an emergency. “I’d rather be lucky than [dead],” Sweeny says. Flying a jet wasn’t all seriousness however. Sweeny reminisces about the time where he flew a jet over his wife’s house while she was hanging up laundry, something that annoyed his wife quite a bit. 

 

As Colonel Sweeny wrapped up his presentation, the children at Four Corners Co-op were filled with awe and excitement after hearing about his adventures. Through Colonel Sweeny’s tale of determination and faith, the children of today can be inspired to follow their dreams.