COMMENTARY>>Helping you help yourself

By Col. Daniel Lockert
19th Maintenance Group Commander

Being a good wingman is more than preventing someone from doing something foolish. It is about developing a mindset of selflessness and responsibility, not only for ourselves but also for those around us. We need to not only apply it to all facets of our lives but also foster this mentality in all our Airmen.

In order to be a wingman, you first have to help yourself because if you do not then you are unable to help your fellow wingman to the best of your ability. You might be asking yourself, “How do I do that?” It’s simple--most of you have already started down the path to helping yourself. That’s right, most of you already attended the base’s Wingman Day session, or Resiliency Training as it is sometimes called.

Many of you have already participated in the Wingman Day program and more than likely went into the session with preconceived notions that this is another suicide prevention or safety initiative. Some of you may even think this is a stand-alone program. It is neither of these; rather, it is an opportunity to learn, and implement, different approaches that will help you to “bounce back” from life’s “ups and downs.” Each approach is a pillar—physical, mental, spiritual and community—providing tips on how to look at the situation from a different perspective or in a different light.

Resiliency is the buzzword not only here at “The Rock” but also throughout the Department of Defense. Scientifically, resiliency is the ability for an object to quickly return to its original shape after being twisted, bent or contorted. For our purposes, resiliency is the ability to bounce back mentally, physically, socially and spiritually from the “ups and downs” life throws our way. In short, it is a return to normal.

A big part of resiliency is knowing how to handle, or manage, the stress in our lives. Life—be it personal or professional—is stressful, no doubt about it. We all handle stress differently; some swallow it, internalizing it until it erupts like Mt. Vesuvius. Unfortunately, that eruption can come in many different forms such as increased blood pressure, a decreased immune system, and poor sleep patterns. Studies have shown that increased amounts of undue stress increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. In some instances, internalizing stress leads to a vicious outbreak filled with anger and violence. Others handle stress by learning to avoid it all together or by simply saying “no” to certain stressors by setting limits or by finding ways to unwind from the stress. Unwinding can be in the form of exercise, meditation, or even something as simple as taking a stroll.

During Wingman Day, you discovered, or were re-introduced to, your strengths and weaknesses—I know I was. If you identified an area you want to improve, I challenge you to do so. We need our troops—you—to be fit, physically, mentally, socially and spiritually to tackle not only the mission but also whatever life throws at you. Resilient workers are able to take care of themselves so that they can better take care of others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone needs a shoulder to lean on at one point in his or her life. Your fellow Airmen—your Wingmen—count on you day in and day out.