TONIGHT's Topic: "Flying Blind!" Join Steven & Friends for Warriors for Life (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
Sep 23
3 min read

Join our Volunteer, Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, and Writer/Author Steven Bates TONIGHT for "Mid-Week Musings!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "Flying Blind!"

"Many know Gen James Doolittle as the hero of the infamous 'Doolittle Raid' over Tokyo, or as a Medal of Honor recipient, but many don't know that his greatest contribution to the aerospace field and the military happened on this date, 24 September, back in 1929, almost a hundred years ago. On that soon-to-be historic day, then Lieutenant Doolittle climbed into the cockpit of a modified Y2 biplane and sealed himself into darkness, his canopy covered so as not to allow any vision of the outside world in.

Lt Doolittle then took off, flew a 15-minute mission on a preset course, and landed, solely using instruments and 'flying blind'.

Doolittle was the first to ever fly on instruments alone, proving that it could not only be done, but that it was reliable and could save lives in inclement weather or adverse conditions. Since then, mankind has relied on instruments almost religiously. There was no more 'dead reckoning' or flying by the seat of your pants based on just visual information.

Many times, our mental health journey should 'fly blind" and be on "instruments" as well. We need help from outside information, feedback from other sources, accurate data, and not second-guessing based on our own possibly faulty observations. This is where professional assistance comes in, friends, support systems, and the like. Let them be your instruments, helping you 'gauge' your success, monitor your progress, and alert you to possible adverse conditions ahead. Sometimes it's okay to 'Fly Blind'. Sometimes it's just what needs to be done."

"Flying blind" when it comes to mental health means lacking clear insight or effective management of mental health issues, often due to a lack of access to specialists, information, or self-awareness. This phrase can also refer to pilots needing special medical certification to fly while managing certain mental health conditions, which requires ongoing evaluations but can allow them to continue flying.

In General:

Lack of Information:

"Flying blind" with mental health can describe situations where individuals or healthcare providers are unaware of or lack appropriate resources to address mental health problems effectively.
Disconnection from Care:
It can signify a state where someone is not receiving the necessary support or treatment for their mental health, leading to an inability to navigate their condition.

How to "See" More Clearly:

Talk to a Professional:
If you are concerned about your mental health, speak with a healthcare provider or a mental health professional for guidance.
Access Resources:
Seek out resources for support, which can include therapy, support groups, or specialized mental health services.
Inform Yourself:
Learn about your condition and available treatments and consult with a specialist if you're a pilot or in a related field where flying is involved.

10 Reasons Why Seeking Professional Mental Health Support is a Strength, not a Weakness

Join Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates with the Warriors for Life Mid-Week Musings Peer Support Group as we talk about 'Flying Blind' tonight. and the benefits it can offer.

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), September 24, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87440882846

Thank you,

Steven Bates

Air Force Veteran, Writer/Author, Peer Support Specialist, &

Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.