Focus on resilience: Commander talks about Wingman Down Day Published April 3, 2011 By Col. Eric S. Overturf 442nd Fighter Wing WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- This month we will take part in Wingman Down Day activities that focus on stress and resilience. This event was directed by Gen. Norton Schwartz, chief of staff of the Air Force, to ensure that all active-duty, National Guard, and reserve Airmen take time to think about ways to effectively deal with the stress we encounter every day at work and at home. While stress can come from a variety of different sources, I know many of you are feeling stress from your job as a reservist. With our high ops tempo and constant inspection cycle, we're living in a fast-paced world. This isn't going to change for a few more months until we complete the operational readiness inspection, phase I - but that's also the upside - it's only a few more months! What we can change is the way we deal with stress. Over the course of the Wingman Day events, you're going to hear a key word: Resilience. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from stress, and it is a critical skill we need in order to succeed in difficult situations. Keeping a positive mental attitude is not always easy, but with resilience, we can recognize when things are headed down a negative path and metaphorically bounce ourselves back onto a path that will keep us, and our wingmen, safe. The wingman concept is a key part of our resilience. As a pilot, I've grown up counting on my wingman to help me fly safely and effectively. A good wingman sticks by your side, no matter what, to see you through the clouds or stormy weather. This concept is not just for pilots, however, because all Airmen can and should look out for each other, keep each other safe and accountable and let someone know when a fellow Airman is headed down the wrong path. Reservists face pressure from balancing their military careers with their civilian jobs and families, and we don't want anyone to feel like they have nothing to live for, which can happen if resilience drops to the point where stress seems to be unmanageable. We're going to take time on this Wingman Down Day to reflect on ways to increase our resilience and improve our mental, spiritual and emotional health. One of the tools that we will use during our Wingman Day activities is a video produced by the 442nd Safety and Public Affairs offices that features 442nd FW members from across the wing talking about the stress they face right here at Whiteman. You'll see Airmen talk about stressors they face at work and at home, ways they deal with these stressors, what resilience means to them and specific examples of how they've been resilient in their own lives. Hopefully you'll hear things that you can directly relate to, and it will inspire you to think about what causes the most stress for you. Communication barriers, fitness and high ops tempo are among the issues most talked about in the video. My goals for this video are to highlight some of the common stressors we all deal with on a daily basis, and to identify ways to effectively deal with that stress. Most importantly, I want you to know that you don't need to face stress alone, because there is always someone available to talk to you. Your supervisors, first sergeants, and commanders are great options, and our chaplains are also a fantastic resource to talk to about your personal life or military career. Military One Source offers free, confidential counseling 24 hours a day to all military members, spouses and families and even pays for sessions with a local counselor for you and your family members. Finally, remember that asking for help shows strength and courage. As General Schwartz said during his town hall meeting at Whiteman last month "no one will look down on you for seeking help." Thanks for all you do to make this a great place to serve our country. I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas from Wingman Down Day so we can make it even better.