MARTINSBURG, W.Va. –
The 167th Airlift Wing paused normal unit training assembly activities Oct. 6, to focus on wellness and resilience as part of an Air Force-wide initiative to address a spike in suicides across the force this year.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein called on commanders to take a one-day “tactical pause” and Chief Master Sgt. Of the Air Force Kaleth Wright said this will serve as a “new beginning” for promoting resiliency in Airmen.
The Wing Care Team at the 167th, coordinated the Full Spectrum Wellness Day event which consisted of small group discussions followed by a variety of workshops that included communication and team development, emotional intelligence, financial wellness, nutrition health and more.
Col. David Cochran, 167th Airlift Wing commander, encouraged Airmen to attend at least two, but up to four of the 10 classes offered.
“Take some time today to put some more tools in your resiliency toolkit,” Cochran said.
Cristina Firescu-Williams, 167th AW director of psychological health, said the event’s curriculum was developed with the four pillars of comprehensive Airman fitness in mind.
“We have to take care of our body, mind and spirit and develop our coping skills to help with stress reduction,” Firescu-Williams said.
Following the classes in the morning, Airmen were encouraged to enjoy some time of camaraderie with their fellow airmen in the afternoon.
“It’s important that we put airmen care and a culture of airmen care in the forefront of everything we do here at the wing,” Cochran said.