Page 9 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – September 2025

Thunderbolt News http://www.luke.af.mil
Septembr 12, 2025 9 Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
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JWV speaker to explain outreach programs
Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 will host Jeremy Isom, out- reach specialist for the VA Veterans Affairs, who will speak at its meeting in the Oakwood Ballroom A, 24218 S. Oakwood, Chandler, AZ 85248, Sept. 28.
The Mesa office is part of the Vet- erans Health Administration of Veter- ans Affairs, but it is community based and separate from the main hospital and outpatient clinics.
Isom said “Veterans who qualify for our services do not have to be regis- tered with VA to be seen. We provide mental health services, but we are more focused on readjustment issues after service and provide a unique treatment plan based on the Veteran’s needs.”
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychologi- cal services, including professional counseling to eligible Veterans, ser- vice members, including National
Guard and Reserve components, and their families.
Counseling is offered to help make successful transitions from military to civilian life, or after a traumatic event experienced in the military including military sexual trauma (MST). Indi- vidual, group, marriage, and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA
or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and pre- pared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief, and transition after trauma. “Veterans who qualify for our ser- vices voluntarily may enroll by pro- viding a copy of DDD Form 214 and filling out an intake packet on first
appointment,” said Isom.
Mesa Vet Center provides services
to the surrounding area, but Vet Cen- ters have over 300 physical locations as well as over 80 mobile Vet Centers nationwide including U.S territories.
JWV Post 619, meets the third Sun- day of every month from September to June, has members from a wide range of religious affiliations and par- ticipates in philanthropic activities to help veterans of all faiths.
To learn more about JWV ac- tivities and membership, contact Arthur Uram, 702-884-4175, uram- arthur@gmail.com.
at the highest standard of excellence.
The first part, Airmen, represents the foundation
of the wing’s combat capability. Berkland empha- sized having a selfless, team-first approach rooted in accountability is key to maintaining lethality and readiness.
“‘Airmen’ is the core of who we are,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Chrestensen, 56th FW command chief. “When we put the mission and each other first, hold ourselves to the highest standards, and live by our Core Values every day, we are ready for combat and remain the most lethal force in the world.”
Next is Basics, which represents the daily disci- plines and tactical mastery required to meet opera- tional demands.
“‘Basics’ is the core of what we do,” Berkland said. “You can’t accomplish big things if you’re not getting all the little things right. When we master the funda- mentals, then we can take calculated risks and match capabilities to threats, in the same way our fighter pilots and Airmen to perform under fire. Brilliance at the basics is how you win in combat.”
The final pillar, Culture, defines how the wing operates as a cohesive, championship-level team. Berkland noted that strong internal trust and exter- nal partnerships with allies and the local community are essential.
“‘Culture’ is how we operate every day,” Berkland said. “It’s about extreme ownership and tackling prob- lems head-on. We are a team where everyone looks out for one another, and we strengthen deterrence by working with allies and partners to be ready for tomorrow’s fight.”
The ABCs will guide the wing in adapting to future challenges while preserving the excellence Luke AFB is known for worldwide.
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