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Show Country November 26, 2003 Coming back from the dark Author's name withheld by request LANGLEY AIR FORCE The other day I BASE, Va. opened up a "significant events" report and read that an airman had killed himself. Just a few lines down, I saw where another had attempted suicide. As I looked at the words, I felt simultaneously sad and angry. But I also felt something more personal -understanding. I understand what it is like to feel as if you are so far in a hole of blackness it has consumed everything in your life. I understand what it is like to want to die. But most importantly, I understand what it is like to come back. Whether or not you have ever been in that position or known someone who has, I hope you read this message and take something from it. The message is simple: help is out there, and things, no matter how bad, can get better. But people must be willing to utilize the resources available to them. The human spirit is an amazing thing. It can survive and heal through tremendous hardships, though the road can often be difficult. Sometimes things seem so difficult a person would consider taking his or her own life as a solution. When things progress that far, it is time for that person to get professional help. So why don't they? Why do people hesitate to get involved? Why do suicides happen when they could be prevented? Why are people so afraid of the words "mental health?" If your vehicle is broken you take it to a mechanic. If you are sick you go to the doctor. Getting help from a mental health professional is no different, yet so many people balk because they are afraid. Wrongly, they fear it will adversely affect their career. They worry that getting help is a sign of weakness or cowardice, when in fact it is just the opposite. Getting help takes a tremendous amount of courage and strength. It means swallowing your pride and working hard, pressing forward despite the fear. But mostly, it means you are will ing to fix things correctly instead of letting them get worse. Over the years, I have talked to many people who have experienced suicidal thoughts or struggled with depression, stress, anxiety or other problems. The people are as varied as the reasons for their feelings. Many are people you would never suspect people who are successful and seem to have everything together. For some, the problems are situational and for others, the problems are medical. Some of those were people who at one time said, "I can't imagine anything that would make me take my own life." Regardless, they needed help. The resources are available and things can get better, but sometimes that means you have to step out of your comfort zone. Drop the fear. Drop the judgment. Life is way too precious to let those things get in the way. If you see someone in trouble, don't skirt around it. Be honest. Tell that person you are concerned, and why. If you think he or she is out of control, say so. You may get ignored, but you could be the push the person needs. If you need help, do yourself a favor and either tell someone or go get it yourself. There are people out there who will listen and help. There are no good excuses to avoid getting help. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide claims the lives of more than 30,000 Americans a year. All could have been prevented. There are so many resources available, both military and civilian. Using them can save a life. You may have noticed I didn't put my name on this editorial. That is not an accident. There is a point. You do not know who I am. I could be anyone your the person you pass in the hallway and talk to almost daily. I could be your best friend, or even your boss. It is possible I am a family member: your spouse, parent, sibling or your child. Or, I may even be you... ( Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service) 7 understand what it is like to feel as if you are so far in a hole of blackness it has consumed everything in your life. I understand what it is like to want to die. But most importantly, I understand what it is like to comeback." . Rootin' round up rings in fun, raises money for base charities By Airman 1st Class Micah Garbarino Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs Everyone knows that when it comes to gambling, the house always wins. Oddly enough, that's the way everyone who showed up to play at the'Rootin Tootin Roundup charity fundraiser wanted it. "We rounded up everyone to roundup some money," said Karen Lyon. "It's just for fun, a fun night to raise money for the different charities. AH the money that is raised will be split equally between 14 from 5:30 p.m.-- l 1 p.m. in the Club Hill Ballroom. It was open to all ranks base wide. "We talked to the chiefs and first sergeants. ... Since the intent is to raise money for charity and get everyone involved we thought it only made sense." said Mrs. Lyon, "The event will benefit Airman Against Drunk Driving, Operation WarmHeart, the Junior Enlisted Association, the Officers' Spouses Club Scholarship Fund and the Hearts Apart program. I know we've had plenty hearts apart here at the 38Sth." Along with the charity gambling, there was a buffet, an open auction for a quilt made by a 388th spouse, a silent auction for gift baskets and a performance by the 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron band Weekend Duty. "It was priceless. A small way to give back to those who do so much for our Air Force and our country," said 388th Fighter Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, Paul Weseloh. chuck-wagon-sty- le them." The roundup, named after its western theme, raised money by selling chips for mock casino style games in full accordance with Utah laws. The 388th Officers' Spouses Club sponsored the roundup, which was held Nov. - tr Right: Commanders from throughout the wing got together to belt out "Friends in Low Places," by Garth Brooks, for charity at the Rootin' Tootin' Round-U- p held Nov. 14 at Club Hill. Right below: MaJ. Kent Wong, 388th Component i Maintenance Squadron commander tries using his winning smile and a little extra incentive as a get out of jail free card while his wife Carol tries to talk her way out during the Rootin' Tootin' Round Up. Below: Master Sgt. Michael Jordon, 388th Maintenance Group information management superintendent, shuffles his blackjack cards in preparation for a house win. , v ' , T' ' 'lM v a Mm, - - tirmniiiiiimifnin f- i - mt Etui rrV Hmmhw- 1 Photos by 2nd U. Vernon Thompson "'V fjf -- rUPft r 7. UNy- - !'l'lifflMHgEB555ll'! i- - II 1 -- -..- a-..,-- ACC programs Grooming next generation leaders tains to ask questions directly to ACC leaders. By Capt. Amie Brockway Air Combat Command Public Affairs LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. Three professional development courses are helping ACC's officers and enlisted members chart a course to become the next generation of Air Force leaders. "Sword Look, Sword Bearer and the ACC Squadron Commanders' and Spouses' Course are programs that we hope will help us retain our best and brightest troops," said Gen. Hal M. Hornburg, commander of Air Combat Command. The courses provide them with many of the tools they will need to ensure their future success in the Air Force." The programs offer an look at ACC's combat mission, as well as opportunities for mentorship, networking, and direct exposure to ACC's senior leadership. General Hornburg has made it clear throughout the command that people are ACC's top priority. "'People First, Mission Always' isn't just a slogan for ACC; it's a way of life. Our people are our most ' valuable resource, and retaining them is the number-on- e issue in ACC right now," General Hornburg said. Sword Look, held at Langley AFB, is a three-da- y course for captains with between four and eight years of commissioned service. "Sword Look allows cap We want them to experience the mission and apply the lessons they learn here in the future," said Capt. George Dowdy, chief of the ACC force development section. Being selected to attend the program means the offi- - said Capt. Paul Maykish, the air battle manager training flight commander for the 330th Combat Training Squadron at Robins AFB, Ga. Captain Maykish said the best part of the program for him was the new perspective it gave him about what it takes to run the Air Force. "'People First, Mission Always' isn't just a slogan for ACC; it's a way of life. Our people are our most valuable resource, and retaining them is the number-on- e issue in ACC right now" Air Gen. Hal Hornburg Combat Command commander th - Anonymous - v rllll.l,l1..,.l,l-n,M- Mr A I 7 cers have shown outstanding leadership, duty performance and potential, he said. Most attendees come from ACC, but the program has slots available for captains from other major commands, the Guard and the Reserve. One of the key themes expressed throughout the program is an appreciation for what each officer does for the Air Force, Captain Dowdy said. "Each briefer, who is either a colonel or a general officer, makes a point to thank them for their service," he said. "I was sincerely humbled by how many leaders took time away from their busy worlds to speak with us," "Sword Look changed the way I view my role in accomplishing the mission, how I frame problems, and how I seek to inspire others," he said. After attending the course, Captain Maykish said he is reconsidering his future plans. "With a master's degree from Yale, I've really been wrestling over getting out for other opportunities where I can make an impact. I came into the Air Force because I felt called. Sword Look helped me remember that calling. "I felt a renewed sense of stewardship for the Air Force and the motivation that comes with that understand- - ing," he said. Sword Bearer is a similar program for NCOs who have served between seven and 14 . years. Also held at Langley AFB, the three-da- y conference exposes them to the ACC mission and to possible future career opportunities. The first Sword Bearer course took place in June. "We want them to leave the conference with a sense that what they do is important and an idea of the role they will play in shaping the Air Force of the future," said Chief Master Sgt. Scotty Ashley, chief of ACC enlisted professional military education. "I loved it. I got to learn so much about ACC," said Staff Sgt. Kristy Korchak, operations support staff NCO for the 1st Security Forces Squadron at Langley AFB. "The best part was when we got to sit down and talk to the mentors, who were the (chief master sergeants) running the classes each day." Sergeant Korchak said she also enjoyed the opportunity to see issues outside of hor own career field. "I especially liked the briefing about the (Air and Space Expeditionary Force) and how it all works. It was a real for everyone in the class," she said. Sergeant Korchak said she has a renewed excitement in the Air Force, and although she had already planned on continuing her career in the Air Force, the Sword Bearer course was "the icing on the See Classes page D eye-open- er |