JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
I never met a real life superhero before. Much like many people from my generation, I grew up reading comics, admiring the hero's ability to overcome almost any obstacle no matter the situation. So when I was asked if I wanted to be the one to interview Joint Base Andrews' own home-grown superhero, there was no way I could say no.
By day he is a mild-mannered reporter, but by ... later in the day under almost any circumstance he transforms into (dramatic music) Resiliency Man! His sole mission is to fight inflexibility and failure to adapt wherever it is found.
At our first meeting, I didn't know what to expect. Up until just before I wrote this article, no one had ever seen Resiliency Man, but I was definitely familiar with his work. Though I had never seen him before, I could tell it was him from his slinky-like stride and confident way he carried himself. What was most impressive was his message.
"Resilience is always important in life, particularly military life, but over the last decade it has become one of the most important aspects of being an Airman," said Resilience Man. "Our service members have been deploying more, working long hours, juggling family life and getting the job done with less personnel and less resources. It is truly amazing what they are able to accomplish, but it has not been without its challenges."
Having triumphed over adversity time and again, Resiliency Man said, maintaining resiliency can be difficult and there are a lot of misconceptions about what true resilience is.
"Many people think being resilient is something they have to deal with themselves, but I'm here today to spread the message, your Air Force and your wingmen are here for you," said Resiliency Man. "Air Force and 11th Wing leadership have created many valuable programs to help Airmen cope with nearly any situation. And as always, be a good wingman and help those in need."
As we continued our discussion, Resiliency Man talked about some of the many factors that play a part in deterring resilience. He added, without the proper amount of flexibility, Airmen are susceptible to stress and other serious stress related symptoms.
"Without resiliency, we are unable to adapt to adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant sources of stress such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors," the superhero said. "Sometimes it is easy to feel like there is no way out or a problem is too big to overcome, but that just isn't true. Sometimes it's just difficult for us to see the solution being so close to the problem. That's why we need to seek help when we need it."
Some of the programs offered at Joint Base Andrews include:
- Mental Health
- Resiliency
- Alcohol & Drug Prevention & Treatment Program
- Family Advocacy
- Health and Wellness
- Sexual Assault Response
- Equal Opportunity
- The Chaplain
In addition to those programs, there are many other avenues people can pursue if they need help. Many of them can be found on the Air Force District of Washington web site
Here.
"If you don't know where to go for help, talk to your supervisor, wingmen, first sergeant or even your commander," he said. "We are all Airmen and never want to see our friends, coworkers, superiors or subordinates struggle. The bottom line is, you are not superhuman, if you need help, get it."
His message left a lasting impression on me. The next time I run into an insurmountable obstacle I just have to remember, Resiliency Man is here, fighting adversity by offering knowledge and information about the resources available and creating a flexible force for the future.