Resiliency remains a top priority for Team Fairchild

by Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

12/2/2013 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.  -- Resiliency has been, and remains, a main priority for the Air Force, and Team Fairchild has continued to implement training for all ranks.

Resiliency classes are taught at least four times a month to make it possible for Fairchild to reach Air Mobility Command's goal for 80 percent of Airmen on base to receive the training.

"The goal is to give people the skills and tools to help themselves, loved ones, peers, and those they supervise get through adverse situations," said Dawn Altmaier, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Installation Resilience Program specialist. "People will gain more tools to add to their tool box."

Resiliency is an occurrence of rebounding or springing back, and right now there are 13 master resiliency trainers on base who keep this program running. Along with these trainers, there are also resiliency trainer assistants, and these are Fairchild members who are able to bring information back to their squadrons.

"I feel this training is helpful in all aspects of life," said Master Sgt. Paula Barkhauer, 92nd Medical Group Optometry Clinic and a Fairchild master resiliency trainer. "I think the fact that we use videos and students' personal stories makes it more effective."

While some attending the training may have expected a power-point presentation, it is actually an interactive approach to get the information across and apply it to real life. There are many different discussions, ice breakers and humorous videos to keep it interesting and fun.

"The resiliency class takes the four domains of Comprehensive Airman Fitness, and gives you skills to strengthen those domains," said Altmaier. "Those four domains are physical, social, spiritual and mental."

All of these domains are discussed, as well as techniques that may help with situations as serious as suicide prevention, that give people the skills in order to get out of mind traps and balance their thinking.

The base is currently using two variations of resiliency training, but is starting the transition to fully integrate the base to the Air Force headquarters training in December. Altmaier said there are some different aspects, but a lot of similarities as well, and the skills individuals will learn will be just as important and useful.

"Resiliency is necessary almost every day," said Barkhauer. "The skills taught in the class can be used to steer through life's small adversities, as well as overcome more significant crises."