I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY

November 1, 2026

I love to sing the old church song, “I Love to Tell the Story.” When I am singing this song in church, tears of joy often show up in my eyes.  I don’t know if I can fully explain my feelings of joy, happiness, thankfulness and appreciation but it has something to do with my life and how God has blessed me.

When I meet with people to discuss my company and our mission of service to God, Country and Family, tears generally don’t show up unless someone moves me with a story about their life.  I like to say that I would not want to compete against King Aerospace because  King Aerospace’s mission is truly about service to God, Country and Family and always will be, forever.  We compete in a government contracting world where the norm is “good enough is good enough” and the DNA is to minimize efforts and maximize profits for shareholders.  I typically share with those that I meet that King Aerospace is like the Navy SEALS; lots of good people try out but it’s not for everyone.  I routinely point out the fact that King Aerospace does not manufacture anything and is not going to try to sell you branded products.  We modify, maintain, customize and integrate things.  Our focus is totally on how best to meet each customer’s specific mission objectives.  We create a competitive environment with the suppliers of equipment our customers need in order to get the best price, delivery date and enhanced features and make the supplier provide best value.  This business model has blessed us for almost 35 years and has well served our Country and created jobs. 

Telling the story helps to win the hearts and souls of those we serve, employ and encounter.  When you win hearts and souls for the common good, you get passionate and dedicated working hands to support a unified mission.  Thankfully I am comfortable with everyone, including those with stars on their shirt collars or powerful titles.  It’s important to me that I visit with people on both sides of the political aisle and seek common understanding and commitment to service. 

It is not unusual for me to carry my “Founder’s Bible,” which is a King James Bible with lots of stories about the challenges our forefathers were willing to overcome to establish and solidify our great Country.  When my heart moves me, I even have some of those I meet sign my Bible.  A couple of months ago a senior aide to a Senator shared this: “I go to church on Sundays with lots of people of different political persuasions who work on ‘the hill.’  It’s neat that you are getting everyone to sign your Bible.” If me telling “The Story” serves God, Country and Family, may I continue to do so as we deliver what we profess; so help me God. 

Believe me, I know I am a “crusty” servant leader at best  and I know I can improve.  Two weeks ago, I was in New York City at the Harvard Club listening to my dear friend, author and seasoned political professional Tim S. Goeglein share observations from his new book “What Really Matters.” I was there to support him and further my understanding as to how I can make a difference.  After listening to Tim and the others in the room talk, the crusty half Puerto Rican in me showed his ugly head.  Here is some of what I said:

“I have a big heart, but I can be an asshole because there is no excuse for not serving God, Country and Family.  I have read Tim’s books and I am finishing the book “Revolution” that points out that our founding fathers had to find unity to get everyone moving in the same direction.  Tim’s books share painful facts but also give me hope.  My son was twelve years old when I sent him to the Marine Military Academy to learn an alternative lifestyle.  He also went on to play division I football.  I have been spending time at Liberty University and students there are not typical American college students.  Liberty students are different and really give me hope for the future.”

I said a few other things and when I shut up no one in the room said a word.  There was dead silence.  I got a couple of photos with Tim and my friend Terry Mertink, an executive with Focus on The Family, and then got in the car and went back to the airport for my flight home.

I shared my Harvard Club experience with Anthony Mahepath, my friend and driver, on the way to the airport.  Anthony is a retired New York City police sergeant who was assigned NYPD Badge Number 2!  Anthony was in the second World Trade Center tower on 9/11.  When he heard my story, Anthony said “Mr. King, you are a dinosaur and they don’t make them like you anymore.” I told him that was why one of the books I am working on is going to be called “Aviation Dinosaurs.”

As I flew back to Dallas, I wondered if I should send Tim an apology for opening my big mouth.  When I walked into my office I was greeted with a note from Tim:

……”I loved your comments at the luncheon and how perfect they were the concluding observations and remarks of our time together today at the Harvard Club in Manhattan.  What you said was right on target and I could not agree more.  How refreshing…”

Our founders fought and died for all religions.  May we never forget the gift we have been entrusted to preserve.  I love to tell the story and may I not screw it up!  You too can tell the story regardless of where you are in the world and where you are on your life journey.  It’s up to each of us to do our part to fill the gaps and come together as united stewards.

Written by KING AEROSPACE Founder, Jerry Allan King-Echevarria.