First-ever ANG Director of Psychological Health of the Year Award presented

by Senior Airmen Hannah Landeros
188th Wing Public Affairs

8/19/2014 - FORT SMITH, Arkansas -- The first-ever ANG Director of Psychological Health of the Year Award was presented during a 188th Wing commander's call at Ebbing Air National Guard Base here Aug. 3.

Geoff Gibson, 188th Wing director of psychological health, was presented the award for his extensive and selfless service to the Arkansas National Guard.

With the anniversary of 9/11 approaching, Americans will reflect on nearly 13 years of war. After years of deployments and posturing in preparation, families and members of the Arkansas National Guard have required various types of support functions such as psychological and mental health care. In order to meet their needs, Gibson was hired as the director of psychological health, a newly created position across the ANG.

Gibson's hard work earned him this award that recognizes an outstanding DPH who shows true dedication to service members and their families.

"I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition," Gibson said. "I see myself as part of an amazing team."

Beginning his career in June 2011, Gibson became one of the first DPH's hired nationally and the first in base history.

"Geoff has definitely gone above and beyond in assisting unit members and their families experiencing stressors, grief, loss and change," said Lt. Col. Judith Mathewson, 188th Mission Support Group deputy commander. "He creates a positive atmosphere in our wing and teams up with Airmen, the base chaplains, Airman and Family Readiness Office and other community support services."

During a four-month vacancy of the state DPH position in 2013-2014, Gibson stepped up by providing psychological health coverage and supported nearly 3,000 Arkansas National Guardsmen.

"Geoff has earned the trust of all senior leaders and that confidence allows them to refer individuals to him without fear of repercussions or a breach of confidentiality," Mathewson said.

Gibson said the DPH's responsibilities range from aiding service members with personal, work or mental health issues to referring out to other community resources. Additional responsibilities include crisis response with ongoing follow-ups as well as consulting with leaders to help them assist their Airmen.

"Geoff's briefings on grief, loss, stress, family issues, substance abuse, suicide prevention and other topics during the mission conversion over the past year have been well-received," Mathewson said. "His delivery of important self-care and member care has served as a great asset to the readiness and resilience."

Gibson's other accomplishments include assisting senior leadership in planning and implementing an annual Wingman day. He also provides counseling sessions to those experiencing traumatic and challenging situations from the unit deployments, along with numerous other squadron and individual deployments.

In 2012, Gibson was appointed by Maj. Gen. William Wofford, Arkansas National Guard adjutant general, as a key member of the Resilience, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention Council. As an active member of R3SPC, Gibson supported the analysis and development of the program across the Arkansas National Guard by providing risks and solutions on a quarterly basis.

He plays a key role in the 188th Wing's ongoing conversion from manned aircraft to remotely piloted aircraft and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission sets. Gibson aids Airmen previously assigned to specialties associated with the old mission to their new careers.

"When Geoff was hired he didn't sit around hoping to find his role," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Wing commander. "He was engaged and energetic from day one. His confidence together with his unmatched professional skills and a caring heart has led to his complete acceptance by the wing."