Resilience is the ability to adapt well to adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or even significant sources of stress according to the American Psychological Association.  No career puts more of a demand on that ability than military life – not just for those who wear a uniform but also for their family members and civilians who work alongside them.  This website is dedicated to helping our Airmen and Space Professionals and their families thrive by enhancing personal well-being, optimizing human performance, and promoting a culture of dignity and respect for all.

Featured Articles

Combating the Mental Health Stigma

 

With U.S. Air Force suicide rates at an all-time high, the U.S. Air Force is working diligently to fully understand and provide adequate care for their members. The 133rd Medical Group sought out ways to reach Airmen here at the 133rd Airlift Wing. Due to survey results, it was identified the Medical Group here was not recognized as a resource for mental health. Airmen voiced their hesitation that if they reported a mental health concern, it could end their military career.  

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Listening & Leadership Can Save Lives

 

Technical Sgt. Daniel Rakowski knows what it feels like to lose a friend to suicide and never wants to experience it again. In 2012, a friend who had recently separated from the Army died by suicide. Rakowski saw firsthand how the Soldier’s death so deeply affected those around him – his family, his friends and Rakowski himself. At the time, Rakowski said, neither he nor other acquaintances had asked their friend about his mental state. Four years after his Army friend died, Rakowski had an opportunity to intervene with another friend, this time a fellow Airman, who was struggling with depression and suicidal ideation.

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Multimedia

Senior Master Sgt. Danny South is open about the tremendous challenges he and his family have faced in the past few years. He speaks about that experience and how it has helped him become a better leader and a better listener when it comes to supporting his Airmen. (South is an C-17 Evaluator/Loadmaster Squadron Superintendent at JB Charleston.)

SMSgt. Danny South

Resilience, Leadership and Connection
Air University production about suicide prevention during COVID-19.

Dr. Mary Bartlett

Air University production about suicide prevention during COVID-19.
Vincent Howard talks about optimism during A Moment of Resilience

A Moment of Resilience

Vincent Howard talks about optimism during A Moment of Resilience
Maj. Corey Carnes talks about the coach, the cheerleader and the teammate.

A Moment of Resilience

Maj. Corey Carnes talks about the coach, the cheerleader and the teammate.
SMSgt Sarah Cornelius (Lakland AFB) faced mental health issues after the unexpected loss of her Navy brother.

Finding Strength

SMSgt Sarah Cornelius (Lakland AFB) faced mental health issues after the unexpected loss of her Navy brother.

Senior Leadership

Brigadier General Claude K. Tudor Jr

Brig Gen Claude K. Tudor Jr.

Brig. Gen. Claude K. Tudor Jr. is the Director of Air Force Resilience under the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va. He is responsible for providing strategic solutions that maximize resilience and normalize help-seeking behavior as strength, and for delivering the most effective prevention and response to interpersonal and self-directed violence through engaging Airmen and their families early, and pushing professional help to our Airmen in their units. He served previously as the Commander, 24th Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida. Tudor was commissioned through the ROTC program at Troy State University and has spent the majority of his career in special operations ground combat assignments deploying extensively.

Chief Master Sergeant Mary Polanco

Chief Master Sergeant Mary F. Polanco

Chief Master Sergeant Mary F. Polanco is the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Air Force Resilience Directorate, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon. She is the principal enlisted advisor to the Director on all matters relating to the strategic planning, research and development, and implementation of Air Force resiliency programs to optimize Airman Performance. In 2002, Chief Polanco cross-trained from the Security Forces career field into the medical field as an Ophthalmic Technician, where she has served in various leadership positions for the Optometry clinics. Prior to assuming her current position, Chief Polanco served as an Enlisted Legislative Fellow in a full-time assignment on the staff of a United States Senator.

We'd Like to Hear From You!

Please note our office does not provide crisis services. If you or someone you know is in crisis or has an emergency, please call 911, or contact the Military/Veteran Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.  Additional resources:  Military One Source 1-800-342-9647 or for sexual assault, the DoD Safe Helpline 1-877-995-5247.

Suicide Prevention Month

20 Ways to Take Part in Suicide Prevention Month

COVID-19 Resources

From Around the Web

Continued Sexual Assault Support During COVID
Coping with Covid - AF Podcast
AF Mental Health Team Provides for Deployed Troops
Seeking the Military Solution to Suicide Ep. 29
Helping to Heal the Scars of War
 
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external Web site, or the information, products or services contained therein.

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