Profile: John Glenn
“If there is one thing I’ve learned in my years on this planet, it’s that the happiest and most fulfilled people I’ve known are those who devoted themselves to something bigger and more profound than merely their own self-interest.” –John Glenn
Occasionally we reflect on the lives of real people whose greatest impact came later in life. This week we look at John Glenn–war hero, astronaut, business leader, congressman, and public servant.
Glenn was a college student, attending an organ recital by the woman who would become his wife, when word came about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The young man from rural Ohio told her, “I have to go.” He was accepted into the Naval Aviation Cadet program before deploying as a Marine fighter pilot to the Pacific theater in World War II, where he flew 59 combat missions. He later flew another 63 missions in the Korean war, making him one of America’s most decorated pilots, including six Distinguished Flying Cross awards.
Following the Korean war, he became a test pilot, but by age 36, was considered “too old to fly” and assigned to the Bureau of Aeronautics. There he devised a plan to set a transcontinental supersonic record for flying from California to New York. “Project Bullet” was created to stress-test a new jet engine. It also got him out of the office and back in the air. Despite three in-air refuelings, Glenn maintained an average supersonic speed and completed the trip in just over three hours. This achievement made him a minor celebrity and was at least part of the reason for his selection as one of the original Mercury astronauts, popularized for a new generation in Tom Wolfe’s book and subsequent movie, The Right Stuff.
He became the first American astronaut to orbit the planet from space, playing a key role in America’s “space race” with the Soviet Union. Following his retirement from NASA in 1964, Glenn immediately announced his bid to run for Senator in the Democratic Primary of Ohio.
Interestingly, his most significant injury came not from his 149 combat missions or his adventures in space, but from a slip in the bathtub that led to a serious concussion and inner ear injury. Glenn had to withdraw from the primary for a lengthy convalescence and recovery.
He then became an executive and eventually president of Royal Crown Cola. With a partner, he developed a few hotels and other real estate pursuits, all the while with his eyes on a congressional seat. He lost a second bid, but was finally elected to the Senate in 1974. He served four terms in Congress, chairing several influential committees, and serving as a tireless advocate for space exploration, science, and education.
As part of that intense advocacy, Glenn read Space Physiology and Medicine, a book by NASA doctors. He realized that many of the physiological changes that occurred during space flight, such as loss of bone, muscle mass and blood plasma, were the same as changes that occur due to aging. Glenn thought NASA should send an older person on a shuttle mission, and that it should be him. Starting in 1995, he began lobbying NASA for the mission. Director Dan Goldin said he would consider it if there was true scientific justification, and if Glenn could pass the same physical exam that younger astronauts took. Glenn conducted the primary research and passed the physical examination. In 1998, at age 77, Glenn returned to space on the shuttle Discovery. That nine-day mission included research on aging and space travel. The following year, he retired from the Senate. His justification, “there is still no cure for the common birthday.” Yet he still had almost twenty more years of influence before his death.
Glenn was considered a man of strong moral and religious conviction. His refusal to drink and carouse with the other pilots and astronauts of his era earned him the nickname, “the clean Marine.” He served as an elder in his Presbyterian Church for decades. Glenn was married to his wife, Anne for almost 74 years. Yet it is inevitable that anyone in the public eye encounters intense scrutiny.
In 1989 five U.S. Senators were accused of corruption as part of the savings and loan crisis. Glenn had received some $200,000 in campaign contributions from Charles Keating. Along with Senator John McCain, Glenn was cleared of illegal activity but criticized for exercising “poor judgment.” Both retained their seats in subsequent elections.
After retiring from politics, the Glenns founded the John Glenn College for Public Service, with the mission to improve the quality of public service. When he died at the age of 95, he was eulogized as an incomparable American legend. His earnest patriotism, a belief in the American ideal, and the power of government to improve the lives of ordinary people stands in stark contrast to the cynicism of our day.
While it would be tough for most of us to match this kind of legacy, there are some characteristics of his life worth emulating, particularly in a Second Rodeo.
• Persistence–There are numerous instances in his life when Glenn simply refused to take no for an answer. He would build his case and relentlessly pursue what he wanted, whether it was refusing to be put out to pasture as a pilot at age 36, become a U.S. Senator, or take another ride into space.
• Curiosity–Both political allies and foes would remark that Glenn was often the best prepared Senator on whatever committee he served, seeking to truly understand the bills he supported or rejected.
• Service–As the opening quote suggests, Glenn prioritized public service throughout his long life. There is substantial research to support his thesis that a focus outside oneself is a much more likely path to happiness and satisfaction than the pursuit of ego-building priorities.
As you consider next options for your own life, our hope is that examples like John Glenn will direct your attention outward, so that each subsequent chapter of your life is more fulfilling than the last.
***
We depend on our readers to help us spread the Second Rodeo vision. If you find this post useful or thought provoking, would you forward to a colleague or friend who might benefit from it? Thank you!