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2 April 15, 2016 COMMENTARY Thunderbolt
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Adapt and overcome
ACTION LINE by Staff Sgt. the well-being and care of ourselves, each other and our
LEALAN BUEHRER families is the focus of Comprehensive Airman Fitness. It’s
56fw.pa@us.af.mil about mental, physical, social and spiritual wellness. That
182nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs is where I started. Yes, I referenced an Air Force doctrine
The Commander’s Action Line to apply at home — because it works.
is your direct line to me with ques- PEORIA, Ill. (AFNS) — My firstborn child recently
tions or suggestions about subjects turned 2 months old. Amidst the irresistible joy of having Coping was the first step to everything else. It really
of concern to the entire Luke Air a new little buddy, I look back over these last eight weeks helps to just acknowledge that yes, I am going to be beyond
Force Base community. and wonder how my spouse and I survived. tired; no, I am not going to feel rested; and no, it is not going
to feel good. When I remember to focus on that situational
I appreciate your feedback. I am a writer, but there are no words I can find adequate awareness, it somehow doesn’t burn me out quite as badly
Your ideas and concerns help enough to describe the terror of sleeplessness that was when the baby alarm sounds off at o-dark-thirty in the
build a stronger foundation on brought down upon us. Remember doing dorm guard duty morning. Having that mindfulness helps work through the
which we can successfully com- in basic training? It was kind of like that but instead of one frustration when the baby projectile pukes everywhere,
plete our mission and take care of shift a week, we had to be awake every two hours, every hoses down the walls or goes nuclear on a fresh diaper.
our people. night. No weekends. No sleeping in. Pure torture.
I do not get it right every time, but every success is a
To receive a response, leave Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus There were times — exaggerated by the fog of exhaus- success, and it helps.
your name and telephone number. 56th FW commander tion — when I honestly thought my body was going to give
Action Lines of general interest are out, and I would simply die. Don’t judge. You either know I am a big cardio person. My day does not feel right if I
printed in the Thunderbolt. Remember, the quickest and what I’m talking about or maybe someday will be in for don’t get a good 45 minutes in at the gym in the morning.
most efficient way to resolve a problem is to talk directly to the same surprise. In this new world of exhaustion, burning calories at the
the responsible agency or through your chain of command. gym may sound counterproductive. On the contrary, the
There was no option; the little guy completely depends physical fitness helps keep me mentally fit. Being able
The Action Line isn’t just for complaints. Send along on his mommy and daddy to survive. That is the mission to test my endurance while blasting some tunes is my
your kudos when someone provides exceptional service, — to keep him sustained and thriving as efficiently as pos- meditation. Getting back into a routine of good nutrition
goes out of their way to help or deserves a kind word. sible. Military instinct made it clear: I had to adapt and was just as important. It is convenient to pop a carbed-up
overcome. But how?
PHONE NUMBERS See ADAPT, Page 4
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III said
Airman and Family Readiness Center ....................... 623-856-6550
Chapel ................................................................... 623-856-6211 Understanding sergeant’s words: ‘I’ve got your back’
Child Care Center ...................................................623-856-6339
Community Center ............................................... 623-856-7152 by Chief Master Sgt. “Everyone has a specific role in our the Air Force. I have to make sure your
Computer IT service desk .................................. DSN 945-2900 PATRICIA YELVERTON section,” he said. “Before yesterday, subordinates understand you are the
Eye Clinic ............................................................. 623-856-7965 your role was to master skills required leader and will make the decisions.”
Fitness Center ....................................................... 623-856-6241 60th Medical Support Squadron superintendent as an Airman and a Health Service
Flight Medicine .................................................... 623-856-2273 Management Apprentice. Today, your That single conversation made me a
Fraud, waste and abuse hotline ............................ 623-856-6149 Seeing the newly selected staff ser- role changes to a frontline supervisor better supervisor and leader. Through-
Hobby shop .......................................................... 623-856-6722 geants recently brought back memories which includes responsibility for oth- out my entire career those words have
+RXVLQJR൶FH of when I was selected for staff sergeant. ers. My duties also changed today, I am been engraved in my mind. Mitchell
Law enforcement desk ......................................... 623-856-5970 now your first line of defense, meaning was right that night. I didn’t need the
Legal assistance .................................................... 623-856-6901 Actually, my thoughts went to the I’ve got your back.” usual congrats, good job or well done
Library .................................................................. 623-856-7191 night I graduated Airman Leadership on my graduation night. I needed to
Marketing ............................................................. 623-856-3245 School. As I crossed the stage after He explained, as tasks flow down be reminded what my next step in my
Military Equal Opportunity ................................. 623-856-7711 receiving my completion certificate, my from above, I will always keep you career was and what responsibilities
Military pay .......................................................... 623-856-7028 co-workers gathered to congratulate informed and prepared to complete lie ahead as an NCO. His words gave
2൶FHRI6SHFLDO,QYHVWLJDWLRQ .............................623-856-6821 me and shake my hand. My supervisor, the mission. Also, leadership will al- me the confidence in my abilities to
Outdoor Recreation .............................................. 623-856-6267 Staff Sgt. Todd Mitchell, stayed back at ways be aware of what you and your be not only the NCO I was back then,
Pass and registration ............................................. 623-856-4880 the table and as I approached he shook Airmen are working on and what but also the chief master sergeant and
Patient advocate ................................................... 623-856-8968 my hand and said, “I’ve got your back.” requirements are being met and leader I am today.
3XEOLF$൵DLUV exceeded. Most importantly, you will
Security Forces ..................................................... 623-856-5970 I said, “Thank you,” as I sat down. make many decisions affecting per- I have stayed in touch with now re-
Straight Talk Line ................................................. 623-856-7064 While cheering on my fellow gradu- sonnel on a personal level as well as tired Master Sgt. Mitchell, for advice
Sexual Assault Prevention/Response .................. 623-856-4878 ates, I started thinking of what my su- a professional level. Your Airmen will and mentoring. We still talk about
Vehicle Maintenance ............................................ 623-935-6576 pervisor said to me. What did he mean? not always agree with you and they that conversation and how he knew
Veterinary services ............................................... 623-856-6354 I expected “Congratulations” or “You did will come to me. exactly what I needed to hear that day.
Wellness Center .................................................... 623-856-2273 awesome,” but not “I’ve got your back.” He reminded me as I, in turn, remind
Youth Center ......................................................... 623-856-7470 The next morning at work, I im- “When this happens, I want you to you, “Those we lead need to know they
mediately asked my supervisor if we know, I’ve got your back,” he continued. have leaders who will stand behind
could talk. “I will never question your decisions in them through the good and the bad.”
I asked him, “What did you mean front of subordinates and will never
last night when you said, ‘I’ve got your ask you to change your mind on a deci- Today, I challenge all of you to let
back?’” His response was surprising and sion as long as it upholds the values of your subordinates know you have
informative. their back.
Luke Editorial Staff 7KH7KXQGHUEROWXVHVPDWHULDOIURPWKH$UPHG)RUFHV,QIRUPDWLRQ6HUYLFH$LU
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3XEOLF$ႇDLUVFKLHI ................................................. Lt. Col. Matt Hasson
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Editor ........................................................................... Deborah Leuthold )LJKWHU:LQJ/XNH$LU)RUFH%DVH$UL]7KLVFLYLOLDQHQWHUSULVH$LU)RUFHQHZVSDSHU
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Editorial Information PHQWWKH'HSDUWPHQWRI'HIHQVHRUWKH'HSDUWPHQWRIWKH$LU)RUFH
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