Page 11 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – October 2025

Chaplain’s thoughts ...
Chaplain (Capt.) COLLIN S. DAHLQUIST
Mission Support Group Chaplain, 56th Fighter Wing
Thankfulness and the Amygdala
I know—it’s a little early to be talking about thankfulness when Thanksgiving is still a month away. But gratitude isn’t seasonal. It’s a daily tool that can actually rewire how our brains respond to stress.
Science tells us that gratitude isn’t just a nice thought—it changes us. The amygdala, a small almond-shaped part of your brain, is at the center of this. It’s powerful—about four times faster than a blink of an eye. The amyg- dala is deeply involved in how you process emotions, respond to stress, and even how your body physically shows up in any situation. It connects to the hippocampus, the memory cen- ter of your brain, and helps shape the stories you tell yourself about the past and present.
Here’s the catch: the amygdala has two very different modes. One side drives the chemicals that fuel stress, anxiety, and the fight-or-flight response. The other side helps us experience peace, meditation, and gratefulness. And here’s the crazy part—you can’t activate both sides at the same time. That means when you choose thankfulness, you’re calming stress and giving your brain space to thrive.
This matters, especially for Airmen. Chronic stress or trauma can cause the amygdala to
shrink or grow in unhealthy ways, which research has linked to anx- iety, depression, and PTSD—all of which are on the rise. But practic- es like gratitude can help balance the scales, giving us resilience in the face of chal- lenges.
Courtesy photo
Chaplain (Capt.) Collin S. Dahlquist
The power of thankfulness isn’t just found in neuroscience. It’s been taught by cultures, philosophies, and faiths across centuries. As Eileen Caddy once wrote: “Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.”
So how do we apply this? Start small. Take 30 seconds during a stressful day to name three things you’re thankful for. Pause before a meal to express gratitude. Tell someone you appreciate them. These little choices activate the part of your brain that fosters peace in- stead of stress.
It turns out thankfulness isn’t just good manners—it’s good science, good for your health, and good for your mission readiness. And the best part? You don’t have to wait until November to practice it.
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Thunderbolt News http://www.luke.af.mil
October 3, 2025 Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
11
BElGiAN
(from Page 2)
their tour, the delegation met with U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Berk- land, 56th FW commander, and other senior leaders to discuss the progress of the Belgian F-35 training program. They were briefed on the 312th FS, where U.S. and Belgian Airmen forge the next generation of fighter pilots and maintainers.
“The training at the 312th Fighter Squadron is unmatched,” said Bel- gian Air Force Lt. Col. Pierre-Yves Libert, 312th FS senior national representative. “The ability to inte- grate our pilots and maintainers into a diverse and dynamic operational setting prepares them for the arrival of the first jets in Belgium.”
The day’s itinerary included a walkthrough of the academic train- ing areas, as well, and an up-close view of the F-35A. By personally connecting and sharing experiences, maintainers strengthened a more powerful, collaborative alliance.
“The F-35 training mission is not just about equipment; it’s about furthering our shared defense pri- orities that strengthen transatlantic security,” Bernard added. “Belgium is committed to investing in our defense capabilities and standing shoulder to shoulder with allies.”
The recent visit with Belgian partners allowed the 56th FW to highlight its core values of profes- sionalism, training, and unit culture.
Improving
MENTAL HEALTH
every day...
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Berkland (left), 56th Fighter Wing commander, and Frederic Bernard (right), Belgian Ambassador to the United States, pose for a photo, Sept. 15, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The visit provided the Ambassador with a firsthand look at how Luke AFB is preparing Belgian forces for the F-35 mission. The 56th FW remains committed
to training combat-ready allies and maintaining partnerships crucial to creating a more lethal force.
The service members part of the delega- tion successfully showcased their ex- pertise with the F-35A, strengthening the bond between the two nations. This partnership is essential to maintaining a strong line of defense at Luke AFB and creating a more lethal force, ready for the high-end fight.
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Carmelyn Vedar Cell: 215-681-5280 cvedar@cfgpc.com
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