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A1C Daysha Bush becomes first HOPE Specialist in 673d WSA
JBER PA
A1C Hunter Hites
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska–Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) has implemented the Help is available; Opportunities exist; People care; Expect good things (HOPE) Spiritual Fitness Initiative, a new program designed to enhance spiritual fitness, resilience and leadership among Airmen and Guardians. The initiative was introduced in May 2023 as part of a Department of the Air Force-wide effort to increase readiness and promote a culture of connection across the force.
The HOPE Initiative focuses on developing HOPE Specialists - volunteer leaders who are trained to support their peers in times of crisis, provide spiritual guidance and refer Airmen to the appropriate resources. These HOPE Specialists receive standardized training and are identified by a HOPE tab on their Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Daysha Bush from the 673d Air Base Wing’s Wing Staff Agency became the first member of her unit to complete the training and earn the HOPE tab. The training, which includes 20 hours of initial instruction and a minimum requirement of six months of volunteer service, equips participants with skills in suicide prevention, spiritual fitness, privileged communication and relationship building. Upon completing the program, Bush received the HOPE tab, a visible symbol of her commitment to supporting the well-being of her fellow Airmen.
“The program was developed by the chaplain team since they can’t be everywhere at all times,” said Bush. “The goal is to have people in different units to represent them and to serve like them, but not take their place. The program provides an additional resource for people to receive advice or mentorship and to support the member with matters in their personal lives.”
The training, conducted locally by the Wing’s Religious Support Team, aligns with the Air Force’s Comprehensive Airman Fitness (CAF) framework, emphasizing spiritual and emotional well-being as essential components of overall readiness.
Airman Bush’s accomplishment comes as part of JBER’s participation in the beta phase of the initiative, which is being tested at select bases across the Air Force. Other participating bases include, but are not limited toCannon, Dover and Eglin Air Force Bases and Royal Air Force Lakenheath. The goal is to eventually have all Airmen recognize the HOPE tab and understand the role HOPE Specialists play within their units.
The program is voluntary and can include enlisted personnel, officers, and civilian staff, depending on the needs of the base. The Air Force Chaplain Corps College (AFCCC) is responsible for developing and updating training materials for the program.
As more Airmen like Bush complete the HOPE training, JBER continues to build a network of HOPE Specialists, reinforcing the base’s commitment to resilience, spiritual growth, and connection across all ranks and units. If you are interested in becoming a HOPE Specialist, please speak to the Chaplain Corps or the Wing’s Religious Support Team.
| Date Taken: | 09.27.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2024 15:37 |
| Story ID: | 482015 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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