The A-10 is the first Air Force plane specially designed for close air support of ground forces. You don't sign up to fly an A 10 because you like to fly. They're meant to be a support during combat when soldiers are under fire. It's why A 10 pilots are a gritty community, and rightfully so. It's probably why Eric Whitey White signed up to fly this very plane. In other words, this isn't a man who is passive. You don't go into the Airforce and fly these kinds of planes and not have a heart to serve and a willingness to go into the fight. For him, when you commit you go, regardless of the danger.

He was mentored and fathered by his grandfather, who was also a pilot in the airforce. He started taking Eric flying when he was only 8 years old. So to say Eric wanted to fly was an understatement. It was in his blood. Similarly, the mentality it takes to be a pilot is exactly how he approaches everything, even Yoga. 

When posed the question "what's it like having a child on the way at age 50?" his simple response... "THERE IS NO CAN'T, THERE'S JUST DO!"