SFS becomes more resilient

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Every Airman has heard 'resiliency, resiliency, resiliency.' One squadron took the time to give their Airmen easier access to becoming resilient.

The 355th Security Forces Squadron senior leaders created a 'resiliency room' for less than $100 for members of the squadron to use in their spare time.

The room contains a computer and resources from base organizations to help the Airmen get information about base services that would normally be hard to access during their long work days.

"I tell all the troops, 'this room is here if you need it but you are not directed to use it'," said Major Doug Whitehead 355th SFS commander. "The majority of my guys come to work before these agencies are open and they leave work after they close. The defenders are on post, so they don't get the luxury of taking time during work. If this information is available here, they aren't taking what limited time off they have to find this information."

Whitehead took command of the squadron in July and had found various unique ways to help his troops.

"When the commander came in, he felt there was a need for increased resiliency in the unit," said Master Sgt. Kyle Capehart, 355th SFS assistant first sergeant. "We reached out to units around base that are involved with resiliency and brought them to us to improve our morale, values and resiliency."

The squadron received assistance from the Health and Wellness Center, mental health, Airman and Family Readiness Center and the base chaplains. The room was designed to fill the four pillars of resiliency: physical, mental, social and spiritual.

Whitehead says a good amount of information has left the room since it became available. He is glad to help his Airmen and wants them to know they don't have to handle everything by themselves.

The room is not yet complete, but is available for use 24/7. Over time, Whitehead plans to have pictures painted on the walls along with more information designed strictly for Security Forces.