'True hero' speaks to chamber committee

The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce PILOT (Professional Inspired Leaders of Tomorrow) young professionals committee heard from a “true American hero” during its July 17 meeting.

Retired Air Force Col. Bud Day, a veteran of more than 35 years of military service and a Medal of Honor winner, gave the group tips for bettering themselves.

His advice included:

• Always be able to fulfill the duties of next notch up the ladder, a philosophy he picked up in the military.
• Continuously upgrade your education, something he has done throughout his life.
• Regularly self-examine your goals and evaluate if you are on track to reach them.

“I charge you to take advantage of what is out there,” Day concluded. “The opportunities are there for you to be what you want to be. As Americans, I don’t know anyone in the world who has more opportunities than we have.”

 Day has been described as “the most decorated U.S. service member since Douglas MacArthur.” He has received every significant combat decoration available from the Air Force, according to his online biography. He currently practices law in south Okaloosa County.

The PILOT committee meets on the third Thursday each month at Coach ‘N’ Four. The committee is designed for area professionals ages 21 to 41. For information about the committee, contact the chamber at 682-3212.