Photo By Senior Airman William Lunn | Airmen from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing give a presentation during the Wingman...... read more read more
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MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Isolation among new Airmen has been an issue in the modern Air Force, and a new program has taken one step closer to combatting it.
In an effort to enhance connection, mentorship and mental health support within the Air Force, McConnell recently introduced the Wingman Guardian Connect program. During the program’s first week, it was introduced at the First Term Enlisted Center (FTEC) and to maintenance Airmen, marking the first in-unit integration in the Air Force.
“As a facilitator of Wingman Guardian Connect, what we aim to do is teach Airmen resilience through connection, building relationships with people who can give them guidance and be there for them,” said Anna Hill, 22nd Air Refueling Wing prevention analyst. “Our part as facilitators is to speak as little as possible and to let the Airmen themselves lead the narrative and control the direction of the program.”
The program was developed in response to a growing need for mental health resources and community support within the Air Force. By improving relationships among Airmen, it aims to address challenges such as isolation, work-related stress and the need for mentorship. Through a structured series of workshops, activities and group discussions, Wingman Guardian Connect provides Airmen with tools to handle stress and encourages them to take care of one another.
The first group to participate included newer service members in FTEC who were navigating the transition into military life. For these Airmen, Wingman Guardian Connect offered a chance to form bonds, understand the support systems available to them and learn how to navigate the unique challenges they might face during a three-day course.
The second group consisted of maintenance Airmen from E-1 to E-5. These Airmen play a crucial role in day-to-day base operations, and the stressors associated with their responsibilities can be intense. The program, consisting of two 45-minute sessions, focused on providing strategies for stress management, effective communication and peer support.
“This environment gives us a lot more opportunity to socialize and get to know each other,” said Airman 1st Class Natalee Dykes, 22nd Contracting Squadron contracting apprentice. “Being in the dorms can be a tough challenge trying to network as a new Airman. This gives us a great opportunity to make those connections.”
Throughout the course, Airmen participated in exercises designed to improve communication and boost emotional resilience skills that are particularly relevant for both first term and maintenance Airmen, given the demands of their roles. The Wingman Guardian Connect sessions also included team-building activities to reinforce the idea of looking out for each other and creating a dependable support system within each squadron and work center.
The goal is to engage Airmen early in their careers, and actively investing in their well-being and development in the first week indicates a positive effect. Toward the end of week one, the First Term Enlisted Course (FTEC) class was far more connected versus in the beginning, where there was not much dialogue during group discussions and activities.
“I would tell Airman to go into this program with an open mind,” said Nicole Schmalbach, 22nd ARW prevention coordinator. “It’s going to look a lot different from every other military training you have received, and the goal is to come out with a lot of friends and connections at the end.”
As the program continues, leadership plans to evaluate its impact and gather feedback to shape future sessions. According to the Wing Resiliency Office, there is a growing expectation that Wingman Guardian Connect could become a cornerstone of Air Force culture, promoting resilience, reducing mental health struggles and building a more connected wing. By prioritizing these programs, McConnell Airmen can set a standard for how to address the unique challenges Airmen face today, providing them with the tools and relationships they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
| Date Taken: | 11.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2024 14:26 |
| Story ID: | 485221 |
| Location: | MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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