MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The 22nd Air Refueling Wing held a base-wide Resiliency Day for all personnel at McConnell Aug. 3, 2022.
The event’s purpose was to give Team McConnell time to reflect on what resilience is and why it is important to the mission.
“Resiliency Day is a time (to) focus on our Airmen, unit cohesion and wellness,” said Christine Murray, Community Support Coordinator and organizer for the base-wide Resiliency Day. “It will give our units time to focus on connections, building skills for overall wellbeing, and identifying and sharing resources that are available to Airmen and their families. It allows personnel to ‘take a knee’, have open conversations and make connections with people who can be a resource (during) difficult times.”
Resiliency Days take significant planning and execution to help Airmen learn how to get through difficult situations and how to be stronger. The goal is to teach Airmen these lessons, so that they can better support themselves and McConnell’s mission.
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley, former first sergeant and command chief, was the guest speaker for the main event titled “Warrior Heart: Unleashing the Beast in You.” His experience in the Air Force allowed him to become a subject matter expert in resiliency. Now, he is a number one bestselling author on Amazon for his book “You Can’t Run Away From You.”
“I (spoke) to the base populace on managing life in a COVID and post-COVID environment,” said Brinkley. “Elements such as reconnecting with themselves and others, building true resilience, as well as other elements associated with personal and corporate growth. I want them to walk away with a deeper understanding of their responsibility in self-care, problem solving, and a greater appreciation for each day they live.”
Following the presentation, units formed groups for activities tailored to their needs. The fitness center also hosted events throughout the day, such as a three-point shoot-out, corn hole tournament, fitness relay, 5K run, basketball “hot shot,” dodgeball and aerobics.
“We need to make sure we are truly taking care of one another,” said Murray. “Resilient Airmen are better able to complete the mission.”