Fighter mentality drives military career Published Aug. 9, 2006 By Tech Sgt. Stephen C. Bailey 301st Fighter Wing NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas -- Jurgen Janzik remembers Kevin Pottinger as a bright, focused, and driven 16-year-old young man, who asked him to teach him how to fly a plane. Now, years later, the former German Air Force officer and flight instructor sits at the change of command ceremony beaming over how now Col. Kevin Pottinger has developed into a career fighter pilot and wing commander. "He is still the same kind and positive natured young man I met that first day in Scottsdale, Ariz., when he and his mother came into my flight school," remembers Janzik. "Kevin had a good attitude and outstanding focus with that 'fighter mentality.' I am so happy to see how he has developed throughout the years. He has had an outstanding career and I believe he will be a great wing commander." Now an aviation consultant, Janzik, a former lieutenant colonel who flew F-104s in support of his country's defense, also taught at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., before retiring in 1970, and opening up a flight school where he taught many young men and women to fly, including Kevin and even Janzik's own son and daughter. His children are both Air Force Academy graduates, with his son flying F-16s at Luke AFB, and his daughter an operations officer at Eglin AFB, Fla. "I am so thankful to those who have helped me throughout my career," Colonel Pottinger said. "I credit my family and friends for their continued love and support and I am very appreciative to Mr. Janzik who shared with me his wealth of knowledge and experience in learning how to fly. I will always be grateful."