Resilient Airmen Days scheduled

  • Published
  • By Air Force Staff Sgt. Wes Wright
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The 673d Air Base Wing will host "Resilient Airmen Day" Nov. 20 and 21. 

In accordance with the Air Force chief of staff's focus on cultivating a culture of dignity and respect among Airmen, the installation commander, Air Force Col. Brian Bruckbauer, directed subordinate commanders to take time with their units to reflect on suicide awareness and safety mishaps during the two days.

Chaplains will also provide presentations on the ability to adhere to beliefs, principles, or values needed to persevere and prevail in accomplishing the various missions of JBER.

The event is split across two days to allow all units flexibility to participate in the mandatory training.

Events will kick off both days at 8 a.m., with opening remarks by wing leadership, and conclude with a team-building event beginning at 3 p.m.

Airmen should check with their chain of command to determine which day and location they are required to attend. Civilians are not mandated to attend, but are highly encouraged.

"The key message, in my opinion, is that we care," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Warren, a master resilience trainer with the  673d Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Environment Safety Office. "The Air Force cares about its people. We wouldn't set days aside if this wasn't important or if we didn't care about our people."

Warren explained resilience is important because people use it every day, whether they realize it or not.

"It's not just about bouncing back from tough times; it's sometimes just about getting up in the morning or making things right with someone after you've had a fight," Warren said.

"It's about taking control of your own thoughts, attitudes and behaviors. It's about focusing on your strengths, but understanding your limitations. Resilience is about you; what makes you awesome and how you can be a little more awesome, if you choose to be."

The volunteer MRT said resilience, though inherent in human beings, can be taught and can be improved if individuals choose to incorporate the skills into their lives. There is an element of personal responsibility Airmen must put in the forefront of their minds.

"Resiliency days are only as effective as the people who leave and apply what they've learned," Warren said. "I always tell my students that resilience is like a
big Thanksgiving meal that I'm about to provide.  All of the food will be laid out for them, but what they put on their plate is up to them. At the end of the day, for me, if only one person walks out of resilience training and is just a little more awesome because of it, then I've done my job."

Resiliency is part of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness, a program designed to foster mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness throughout the ranks.
It is defined as the ability to withstand, adapt, recover and grow in the face of challenges and demands.

"Our job is to fight and win the nation's wars. We'll never be good enough at it; we've got to get better every day. It's not an easy task, which is why Comprehensive Airman Fitness is so important," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III.

"Our focus is on the well-being and care for ourselves, each other and our families so we can be more resilient to the many challenges military service brings."

The resiliency events also align with the Pacific Air Forces commander's Resilient Airmen intent: high performing, combat-ready, cross-culturally competent and mutually supportive Airmen and families advancing regional security cooperation, minimizing vulnerability, and ensuring persistent presence and quality forward.

For more information on the resiliency program, call 552-0644.