Aviano Airmen define resilience

by Senior Airman Briana Jones
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/11/2013 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Nine Aviano Airmen shared their stories of resiliency during Aviano's 'Storytellers' event, Dec. 6 at the La Bella Vista Club.

Demonstrating great resilience in the face of abuse, death, motorcycle accidents and life-altering events, the Airmen spoke in front of a full audience in hope that other Airmen will learn from their experiences and know that it is okay to ask for help when it is needed.

The Storytellers forum, created in 2012, began in response to an open question from former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy on how to create community connections and open dialogue among Airmen.

"Resilience to me is a way to bounce back from adversity," said Master Sgt. David Dries, storytellers participant. "Life may beat you down, it may feel like the world is out to get you, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay positive, use your support system and keep moving forward. Don't let anything keep you down."

Dries spoke about a motorcycle accident he was in that claimed the life of his passenger. He was driving a friend home when, sitting at a stoplight, he was struck from behind by a distracted driver texting on her phone. Hitting the motorcycle at 45 mph, the impact sent him and his friend flying more than 135 feet. His friend landed just five feet in front of him--dead. Dries was on convalescent leave for two months and fell into a deep depression.

Dries soon sought help after realizing his depression was only getting worse, he wanted to finally move on with his life and with the support of his leadership, fellow wingmen and base agencies he finally did.

"I decided to get over my depression and press on forward with my life and not let this hold me back," said Dries. "My advice to those who are going through something right now is that no matter what life throws at you, you can get through it. Keep a strong mental focus, and know that you are never alone."

Personal tragedies come in many forms and people have different ways of dealing with them. Senior Airman LaShana Muller, a storyteller participant shared her personal struggles with the audience, and told them how she persevered and became resilient.

Muller spoke about being trapped in an abusive relationship, suffering through molestation and bullying, and how she got through it.

Muller said her leadership was very supportive of her and helped her get to where she is now, and she felt that her story is a good example of how your wingman cares as long as you let them.

"To the Airmen who are going through tough times right now, I want to tell them to hold on, stay strong. You are beautiful and you are not alone," said Muller.

As the event organizer for the second year in a row, Tech. Sgt. Eva Henry, hopes that once Airmen see that others can truly relate to what they are going through, they will seek assistance and understand that they too can get through difficult times.

"Storytellers is meant to build resiliency in our Airmen through a very memorable interpersonal experience," said Henry. "I saw it positively impact many people and I truly wanted even more people to understand that difficult times are temporary."

Henry stressed that every Airman has a story and every Airman has the ability to change someone's life for the better.

"I really just want to help people who may be undergoing hardships," said Henry.

Overall, the event encouraged Airmen to seek out help when in times of trouble, whether through their chain of command, fellow Airmen, mental health professionals or base chaplains.

"You do not have to face everything you have gone through alone--open up to people, let them in and let them help," said Muller.