Defeating the silent enemy

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The enemy gains its power in the silent world that can lead to increasingly loud results. The Air Force loses more personnel to this enemy than from combat. In 2019, nearly 80 people have chosen to end their lives. The enemy is hopelessness. For Tyndall Air Force Base, identifying the enemy has taken on heightened urgency since Hurricane Michael on Oct. 10, 2018. The storm leveled the base, and wreaked havoc on the lives of personnel, workers d both their families displaced and impacted. The struggle toward recovery has been physical, mental and emotional. The aftermath of Michael was devastating, but also has led to the belief the AF is “dealing with a lot of ‘storms’ that have the capacity to knock us out, if we don’t change our approach to the issue of hopelessness, connectedness, camaraderie,” said Karen White, Air Force Civil Engineer Center Judge Advocate Office staff attorney. In August, AF Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein directed all units to implement a Resilience Tactical Pause that’s primary focus is to strengthen connections and share the load in supporting one another. The AFCEC team at Tyndal began a program of small group tactical pauses designed to reconnect teammates and build resiliency. “It’s important to encourage others and look out for signs; not just the obvious ones we are always told about,” said Lt. Col. James Duke, AFCEC Readiness Directorate deputy director. “The key is to find ways to overcome these stresses and provide connectedness with those around you.” Breaking the ice, forming small groups to venture outside the workplace to manifest connections and no longer suffering in silence – those were just some of the objectives of the tactical pause. In an area where the healing process is organically playing itself out on a daily basis, the initiative represents a giant leap in the right direction. (Source: Tyndall AFB 11/02/19)