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Every Airman has a story ... On Sept. 23, 2015, Malmstrom Air
Force Base hosted Storytellers, an event at the Grizzly Bend. The
event gave four of Malmstrom's Airmen the opportunity to share their
heart felt stories. At Malmstrom, resilience isn't just another
military catch phrase, it's a way of life.
Storytellers is a
resiliency event to inspire and empower Airmen through the sharing
of stories of individuals who have overcome life's difficulties. The
storytellers often find themselves in a vulnerable position as he or
she shares their thoughts and feelings about life's challenges. That
openness is one of the elements that make their story effectual.
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael McConnell, 341st Missile Maintenance
Squadron commander and his wife tell a story about a challenge in
their lives for a Storytellers event Sept. 23, 2015, at the Grizzly
Bend, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. McConnell and his wife have
had to learn how to deal with their daughter's severe food allergy, an Air Force example of the principle adapt and overcome. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves)
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One speaker, who struggled with anxiety after a
deployment to Afghanistan, told how he had to get his family
closer to him to help cope with the anxiety. He also told
how some days as he sat in lectures he didn't think he would
make it out. He later made the decision to see mental
health.
“I found out it was some stuff that goes on
that no amount of sleep or meditation will overcome, when
your brain chemistry is that out of wack,” he said. “I took some [prescription] meds and
here I am. My career hasn't been effected I feel good I can
interact with my family, and I can stand in front of you.”
Through raw personal stories from peers these
experiences can propel Airmen into a greater sense of
resilience, motivation and pride. These stories could easily
be written or recorded and posted on a website, but the goal
is not a mindless click to a webpage, it is an emotional
punch to the gut, and can be delivered in person.
“There is nothing we encounter that we can't overcome, but
there are a lot of things we encounter that we cannot
overcome by ourselves,” said Col. Tom Wilcox, 341st Missile
Wing commander.
By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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