Emphasis on Resilience at Offutt’s Wingman Day

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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Team Offutt members came together Jan. 27 to refocus on resilience and the wingman concept as part of an Air Force directed stand-down.

The stand-down came as a result of a memorandum signed by Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy on Jan. 12.

"Being resilient does not mean a person is impervious to emotional struggles, instead it describes a person that is able to recover from adversity and perhaps grow stronger as a result of the experience," Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th Wing commander said. "Direct and honest dialogue between Airmen and their supervisors is a critical part of (Resilience Day). We will seek ideas from our most junior Airmen, who are on the front lines day in, and day out and who often face the greatest stressors."

On resilience day, efforts were focused on four key areas: physical, mental, social and spiritual. Classes, workshops and activities filled the day to bring Team Offutt Airmen a little closer and introduce them to resources available.

"There are a variety of resources available to Airmen at Offutt that they might not even be aware of," Ryan Hansen, 55th Wing Public Affairs chief said. "In an effort to get the word out on these programs, we have a new Comprehensive Airman Fitness page on the Offutt website."

"This 'Wingman Day' allowed the 55th Wing to examine how we can collectively enhance this culture at every level," Bacon said. "Large and small groups were used to share information and solicit ideas with the goal of enhancing our ability to take care of each other."