Officials train a resilient family, force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rae Perry
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Officials from Seymour Johnson Air Force base hosted a resiliency training session for Air Combat Command dependents Aug. 12 here.

"Spouses and teenagers deal with the deployment schedules and battle rhythm that our active-duty forces deal with each and every day," said Col. Patrick Doherty, the 4th Fighter Wing commander. "They need just as much resiliency and skill sets that go along with everyday challenges."

Lt. Col. Greg Laffitte, the resiliency trainer from Moody AFB, Ga., helped to adapt training, used by the University of Pennsylvania faculty members, to help improve the lives of military members as well as their spouses and children.

The training was geared to teach Airmen and their dependents to avoid thinking traps, detect "icebergs" problems that may appear small on the surface, but a bigger issue lies underneath; manage energy, solve problems and how to put things into perspective. It also went into more detail about being resilient in real time, identifying strengths in yourself and others, using those strengths to overcome challenges, active constructive responding and praise, assertive communication and to hunt the good stuff in life.

"Resiliency is about bouncing and not breaking," Laffitte said. "It is about facing something that you are uncomfortable with and accomplishing your goals."