Ep. 92 - Air force One Pilot Mike Grenke Shares Enduring Wisdom

Welcome back to the Main Thing Podcast. Today’s special guest is someone who had the honor of flying Air Force One, for President George W. Bush.

Mike Grenke is a retired Air Force pilot and Lieutenant Colonel with 21 years of service. He started out flying the KC-135 in the Air Force and then transitioned into flying the nation’s leaders in Gulfstream III/IV/V before finishing his career flying Air Force One. Today, Mike is the Chief Pilot for LAW Aviation, working in a small flight department that flies a Global 6000.

Mike is married to Tammy Grenke and has 2 daughters Courtney and Ashley. He is the proud grandfather of Reagan and Cayden. Mike is an outdoor enthusiast who likes biking, hiking, hunting and fishing. He comes to us today from his home in Ohio.

Fasten your safety belt and put your seat in the upright position. Get ready for take-off. Over the next 9 minutes, you will discover why Mike Grenke is one of the wisest people I know.

 

Resources

Mike Grenke on LinkedIn

Episode 51 featuring mutual friend Scott Rider

The Poem Mike Read: “Just A Weaver” by Benjamin Malachi Franklin

My life is but a weaving

Between my Lord and me;

I cannot choose the colors

He worketh steadily.

 

Oft times He weaveth sorrow

And I, in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper,

And I the under side.

 

Not til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why.

 

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver’s skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

 

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Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

 

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Content You’ll Enjoy in this Podcast

[00:01] - Intro

[01:20] - Brief bio for Mike Grenke

[02:26] - Welcome and Opening Dialog

[02:44] - How we know each other; Scott Rider, inspirational leader, friend

[03:35] - Mike’s background as an Air Force Pilot

[06:50] - Presidential Pilot duty; flying President Bush in Air Force One

[08:18] - Mike’s Main Thing is revealed; powerful quote from WWII Admiral Bull Halsey

[09:14] - Leaning into wisdom as we navigate life’s challenges

[10:22] - Mike’s wife Tammy; her health journey

[12:54] - Some meetings are more important than others; pivotal decision; wise counsel

[14:10] - Tammy comes back home; faith

[15:00] - Finding comfort and joy amidst hardships; Mike shares a treasured poem

[16:08] - Discerning the Lord’s pattern; the real Superhero in Mike’s story - Tammy

[17:07] - Thank you; so long for now

[17:30] - Outro

[17:48] - An opportunity for you to help us keep the wisdom flowing