Page 2 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, September 17, 2021

2 September 17, 2021 Commentary DeSert lightning newS S. nevaDa DeSert lightning newS S. nevaDa news September 17, 2021 3
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It’s okay to ask for help 9/11, from Page 1 steps forward, we will remember them,”

he said.
During the ceremony, North Las
Morgan noted that we closed the chap-
Vegas Deputy Fire Chief Gary Stover
recalled the “heavy burden” the New ter on Afghanistan 11 days ago.
“Challenges will continue to test, but
York Fire Department faced. He and 12 not deter our resolve. But because of
by Tech. Sgt. Victor J. Caputo going to mental health was an instant my issues and develop the mental tools I temporarily received a medical others traveled 2,500 miles to New York you, we were and will remain the world’s
Hurlburt Field, Fla. career killer, and impressionable little to counter negative thoughts. code on my records that prevented me City to offer whatever help was needed.
Airman 1st Class Caputo figured that Everything seemed to be on the up- from receiving PCS orders or applying greatest military. When asked, we will al-
When I was a bright-eyed, young must be based in fact. swing and I could finally focus on my for a base of preference. One particular Although their assistance wasn’t needed ways be ready, and our nation’s men and
public affairs Airman eight or nine Fast forward several years. career again, but I insisted on being medication emotionally numbed me to at Ground Zero, the team supported the women will never die in vain,” he added.
years ago, one of the first stories I was I’m sitting in my car in my office stubborn and ignored my therapist’s the point I couldn’t even enjoy playing Fire Department of New York by attend- To respectfully recognize the memo-
tasked with writing was about the base parking lot trying to come up with advice to try an antidepressant. No with my dog. ing funerals to respect those who lost ries of the people killed Sept. 11, 2001,
mental health clinic. a reason to not leave base and drive matter what I did or how positively I Once I found the one that worked their lives. and the days following, along with the
One of the technicians I interviewed head-on into an 18-wheeler, ending it tried to approach my life, I was still for me, though, all the struggle, all “I cannot tell you how many funerals 7,000 service members who died fighting
kind of hesitantly asked me why I was all. Luckily for me, I was able to get a miserable. After much discussion with the doubt, every little barrier became I attended that week, but it was at least the Global War on Terror, the ceremony
bothering writing a story about them, hold of a close friend who talked me people close to me, I decided to trust worth it. I am a more complete person one a day,” he said. “I spent many hours concluded with a traditional firefighter’s
but I didn’t understand him. down. my therapist and try an antidepres- now than I ever have been in my life. sitting alongside the FDNY members Ringing of the Bell Ceremony followed
“Why wouldn’t we do a story about That one suicidal ideation made me sant. The combination of therapy, guided who lost someone special or in some by bagpipes playing Amazing Grace and
you guys?” I said. realize my career wouldn’t matter if I will probably see that decision as inward reflection and proper medica- cases their entire fire station. It was a sur- a wreath laying.
“Well, nobody likes going to men- I was dead. Even if all of the rumors the turning point in my life. The wool tion has opened up an entire spectrum real moment in time for me personally, Then, Taps was played as a missing
tal health,” the technician replied. were true, I would rather see the men- was removed from my eyes, and I felt of emotion that I didn’t know existed. to really feel the magnitude of what had man formation assembled by a pair of
“People would rather go untreated tal health clinic and separate from like a real person for maybe the first Using those emotions and under- just happened.” F-16’s and F-15’s flying over the base as a
than come here.” the Air Force than just stop existing, time ever. standing how other people feel them Command Chief Master Sergeant final aerial salute to the fallen. Air Force photographs by Airman 1st Class Josey Blades
That single comment really im- so I made an appointment and began Of course, that first medication had has made me not only a better, more Alex Morgan III, 99th Air Base Wing “Today, we honor those who have Staff Sgt. Jordan Cui, 99th Civil Engineer
pacted me. therapy for some time. some serious side effects, like making complete person but also a more com- command chief, said the 2,977 people served before us, give praise to those Squadron fire department firefighter,
I started to pay attention to what The therapy made an immediate me sleep more than 12 hours a day. It petent, confident noncommissioned who lost their lives, including 445 first who currently serve with us and share rings the ceremonial bell during the 9/11
other people said about seeing mental and significant positive impact in my took several months of trying differ- officer, someone who can actually responders who selflessly sacrificed our traditions to those who will take our remembrance ceremony at Nellis Air Force
health and was shocked at how many life. I’ve seen two different therapists ent medications, and I won’t lie: it was connect with their troops. themselves saving countless others, were places and serve in the future. We are Base, Nev., Sept. 10, 2021. The tradition of
Airmen shared that mindset. A lot of through my time and both have genu- really difficult and did briefly affect the first casualties in the Global War on first responders, and we will continue to ringing the ceremonial bell spans more
the people I talked to really thought inely helped me understand myself, parts of my career. See hElp, on Page 8 Terror. strengthen the core of our existence and than 200 years when firefighters would
“They answered their call to duty to serve humbly each and every day,” ring the bell to signal the beginning of
without hesitation, and then that call said Rabonza. the day’s shift.
great leaders build teams, inspire others was passed on. Our military was asked LEFT: Col. Trent
to respond, to defend our nation, our
institutions and our way of life,” he said.
Morgan shared his memories as an T a te, 9 9 t h
Medical Group
by Col. Michael Blowers workforce into future leaders. Without a consider things such as executive coach- • Lastly, know when to ask questions. explosive ordnance disposal technician com m ander,
and weapons intelligence team leader in
carries a wreath
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio strong workforce and solid foundation, your ing, conferences and workshops. Investing You wouldn’t be the person you are today Iraq and Afghanistan and the stories of
unit can quickly crumble. in your team is a win-win for everyone. if you didn’t make a few mistakes along during the 9/11
We’ve all probably heard the old adage: To be an all-star mentor and foster lead- Airmen are able to improve and expand the way. two service members who were killed remembrance
There’s no “I” in team. ership within your workplace, you need to: their skills, and your unit becomes more You aren’t always going to have all the — Marine Staff Sgt. David Lyons and ceremony at Tony Rabonza, 99th Civil Engineer fire
A good leader follows it, but a great leader (1) listen to your Airmen, (2) check in with knowledgeable as a whole. answers — and that’s OK. Part of fostering Gunnery Sgt. Chris Eastman. Nellis Air Force department chief, is interviewed by media
will get the entire team into this mentality them on a regular basis, (3) allow Airmen to • Fourth, offer consistent and construc- leadership is admitting when you don’t “Chris, Dave and the thousands of Base, Nev., Sept. after the ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base,
and build them up by fostering leadership learn from their mistakes and (4) delegate tive feedback. If you want to grow Airmen have the answer and seeking help when others will never be forgotten. Even as 10, 2021. Nev., Sept. 10, 2021.
in the workplace. Every Airman is truly an tasks to foster growth. into leaders, you have to not only provide you need it. the years pass and our next generation
asset to the team and brings value by work- • Second, recognize accomplishments. consistent feedback, but also constructive Don’t know the answer? Ask your team.
ing together. If you want to lead a productive team and feedback. You don’t have to know it all to be a great
If you want to get your unit on track for grow your Airmen into leaders, you have Being a leader and mentor also means leader.
success and help mold future leaders, you to show them you care and appreciate receiving constructive feedback from your You have a huge wealth of information
have to build your team up to its full poten- their accomplishments. If you’re not tak- team. As a mentor and leader with the goal in your Airmen, so don’t let it go untapped.
tial. To encourage leadership in the work- ing the time to recognize Airmen for their of creating prospective leaders, you should When seeking help from your team, you
place and become the best role model you hard work, there’s no better time than the set aside time to meet with your team regu- benefit by getting the answers you need
can be for your team, follow these six tips: present. larly and share feedback both ways. and learning something new. Plus, it gives
• First, be a mentor. We’ve all had some- • Third, invest in your team. You can’t • Fifth, build a positive work environ- Airmen the opportunity to showcase their
one we looked up to. Regardless of who your expect your team members to grow into ment. For a workplace to be successful, it knowledge and skills.
role model was, they all have one thing in leaders if you don’t invest the time and needs to be open, trusting and fun. Positive In closing, I leave you with this leader-
common: They helped you grow into the energy into them in the first place. If you workplaces can improve productivity and ship quote from Simon Sinek: “The true
person you are today and led you in the want to unleash your team’s full potential, morale, as well as give Airmen a workplace value of a leader is not measured by the
right direction. you have to invest in them. where they can shine, feel at home and share work they do, but by the work they inspire
Mentoring Airmen helps build your To help Airmen expand their skill sets, innovative ideas. others to do.”

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