The title of Chad Hennings' autobiography, It Takes Commitment, reflects not only the inspirational message he delivers, but also the way he lives his life. Personal commitment and teamwork are the cornerstones of his message. He imparts his advice for pursuing a life enriched by value and virtue. Hennings shares his message to varied and diverse groups in private, corporate, civic, governmental and academic settings. His patriotism and allegiance to our country is evident by his work promoting the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Academy as well as other branches of our Armed Services. One's personal commitment to achieving leadership and success is a recurring theme in his speech. He also challenges the individual to be committed to success by maintaining a balance in one's life. Some of the building blocks of his message of commitment include:

Commitment as an individual:
"I wanted to fly jets so badly, but the Air Force's Wing Flight Surgeon had to check the design specifications of the ejection seat in the aircraft as he was concerned I wouldn't clear the jet's tail in the event I had to eject."

"I was in Wichita Falls at training camp, and it was 105 degrees in the shade. I had just taken two liters of IV solution to stay hydrated. With only an hour to get ready for the second practice, I was mentally fighting the urge to quit because I knew I was going to cramp, just as I had before."

Commitment as a member of a team:
"While flying on the wing of my flight lead in Western Europe and northern Iraq, we had less than three feet of wing tip clearance, and the only thing I could see were his wing tip lights because the weather was so bad. I had to choose to trust him to safely navigate the weather and get us into the deployment area so that we could accomplish our mission."

Commitment to being a leader:
"I have experienced all kinds of leadership styles in the military and on the football field. I have had squadron commanders that I would have followed into combat anytime, any place. I also have had commanders who they were lucky that their troops did not shoot them in the back when his head was turned.

It was the same thing on the football field. There were the guys who worked me to the point I couldn't give any more, yet they found a way to motivate me to dig deeper and give something I did not think I had. And then there were the guys who couldn't motivate a man dying from dehydration to take a drink."

Commitment to leading a balanced life:
"In my opinion, true leadership and success are not defined by wealth, fame, or social circles. It is defined by balance. If your aim is to amass great wealth or social significance alone, your life will be like a ship being tossed by the wind. You will be reactive and not proactive. Whatever looks good at the time you will jump in that direction?"

"Balance is required in our lives physically, mentally, in our family relationships, and through community involvement. Our spiritual values and character becomes the compass that directs us down our chosen path."