evidence: Find the courage to listen Published April 13, 2012 By Lt. Col. Joseph Dingman 21st Airlift Squadron commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As the son of an Air Force pilot, I learned some very pointed and quick lessons from my father early in life. One lesson he taught me as a young man and reinforced prior to his passing, has stayed with me to this day. "Remember Joe, you don't learn when you talk, you learn most when you listen," he said. I'll be honest, when I was young I had a hard time comprehending why my father encouraged me to be silent and forgo sharing the wisdom I had gained throughout my teen years. But after more than 16 years in the Air Force, having a family and after many lessons learned I realize how important those simple words can be. Admittedly, I've tried to deal with the challenges of time management and personal interaction and have missed a few opportunities to really listen to those who speak to me.