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The Daily Stoic · September 11, 2026 · 12m 49s

BONUS | What a 9/11 Pilot Will Never Forget (with General Dan Caine)

General Dan Caine

On the anniversary of 9/11, General Dan Caine—then an F-16 pilot and now the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—reflects on being one of the first pilots airborne that day. He shares what that searing moment taught him about courage, leadership, and service, offering a firsthand perspective on how crisis clarifies purpose.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Being Among the First Airborne on 9/11
Gen. Caine describes the experience of being one of the first pilots in the air as the attacks unfolded, and the immediate sense of duty that took over.
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Courage Under Unprecedented Crisis
The episode explores what courage looks like when there is no playbook, and how that moment shaped Gen. Caine’s understanding of bravery.
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Leadership When Seconds Count
Gen. Caine shares insights on leadership under extreme time pressure, and how those lessons carried through his career.
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Misc

✧General Dan Caine is the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with more than 2,800 flight hours and over 100 combat hours in F-16 aircraft. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Defense Superior Service Medal.
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