Airman resiliency reinforced through “Four Pillars” during Wingman Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emily Hulse
  • 151 ARW/PA

The Utah Air National Guard annual Wingman Day was held May 4 at the Salt Lake Air Guard Base.  Airmen were guided through breakout sessions on resiliency strategies in the physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of their lives.

The theme for this year's Wingman Day was "Airmen 4 Airmen," suggesting Airmen need to remember to be a wingman to their fellow Guardsmen, and using tools in four pillars of resiliency to support themselves and each other.

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Edwards, Utah State Command Chief Master Sergeant, outlined each pillar, explaining why each one is important to overall resiliency.

"Mental means approaching challenges in a positive way," said Edwards.  "Physical is keeping yourself physically fit, leading to a better attitude, more ability, mental health, and strength.  Social means maintaining trusted, valued friendship.  Spiritual is to have purpose and meaning in your life.  Having these pillars in your life will increase your well-being, your resiliency, and mission success."

Col. Darwin Craig, 151st Air Refueling Wing Commander, asked Airmen to live with the distractions in the world like phones and internet, but to not allow those distractions to take away their attention from more important matters.

"Obviously, put down the phone while you're driving, but in your life, with your families, take the time to put some of the distractions down and spend time with them," said Craig.

Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton, The Adjutant General for the Utah National Guard, said Airmen need personal resiliency as a tool during difficult times.

"Our brain is the most important thing that we've got," said Burton.  "We talk about maintenance all the time, fixing our jets, fixing our equipment, servicing our weapons.  We need to take care of ourselves from the neck up, too."