Making connections to avoid disconnections

  • Published
  • By Airman Jazmin Smith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Being a good wingman is everyone's responsibility all day, every day. That is what Airmen are taught from day one at basic military training.

Knowing the person to your left or right could make all the difference; one day it might help a wingman sense if something is wrong or it could help a burdened Airman feel like he or she has someone to confide in.

"By making connections, individuals feel a sense of belonging," said Sandi Williams, 509th Bomb Wing community support coordinator. "By having a sense of belonging, individuals are more apt to share their trials, tribulations and concerns with someone they feel connected to. Resiliency is an individual thing, but having a strong support system is paramount to success."

This past Friday, Whiteman took a newer approach to making those connections for members of the base.

Members of Whiteman participated in the bi-annual Comprehensive Airman Fitness Day on May 15, 2015. The theme for the all-day event was "Making connections to avoid disconnections."

"Although we work side by side with our peers, sometimes we don't really know them," said Williams. "The social domain CAF Day emphasis is to help build a meaningful community. This CAF Day was developed by Airmen for Airmen and the activities were planned to bring like-minded people together. Through sharing interests, we hope this will establish future friendships and ultimately a strong support system."

Squadrons participated in the 1.5-mile flightline run to kick start the event. After remarks from Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck, 509th Bomb Wing commander, each flight, bearing their unit's guidon, took off singing jodies. The morning progressed into free time during which base members could choose to participate in numerous activities. From a car show in the Professional Development Center parking lot to a jam session in the Mission's End ballroom, there were several opportunities to meet like-minded people at Whiteman.

"I think that CAF day presented a great opportunity to meet other Airmen with common interests and hobbies," said Airman 1st Class Tianna Smith Cruz, 509th Comptroller Squadron base LeaveWeb administrator. "I'm really looking forward to participating in the next CAF day!"

CAF encompasses four domains: mental, physical, spiritual and social. The pillars, when combined, represent a balanced lifestyle.

"Each domain focuses on individual resilience, but also, on how important it is to reach out and get the support you need when you feel you are lacking in one of the four areas," said Williams. "CAF, to me, represents the 'whole person' concept. Being a wingman means being there for their fellow Airman. It could be encouraging them to work out to meet physical training requirements (physical); referring them to a helping agency when they are undergoing a stressful situation (mental); helping their Airman find that inner strength that is needed to get them through a difficult time (spiritual); or, just having someone to do something with (social)."

Every squadron has resiliency training assistance (RTA) and master resiliency trainers assigned. If you are unsure of whom they are, contact your first sergeant or commander. It is important for people everywhere to make an effort to build a culture of commitment.

"Airmen or families looking to get involved can just step outside their doors," said Williams. "By stepping up and going just a little outside your comfort zone you will make Whiteman one step better. The old adage, 'It takes a village,' never rang too true. By being involved and making Whiteman your home, it will pay back dividends not only for you but for your career."