Wellness is where you find it Published Sept. 15, 2006 By Col. William B. Martin Air Force Materiel Command Wellness and Safety Campaign Team WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Because it's inevitable in life that we will face challenges that threaten to overcome our usual ways of coping with change, crisis, etc., it is vital we have outlets we can turn to for support. For me, when tough times come my way, I lean on my faith, family and friends: My outlets are already in place when I need them. Sometimes, though, I have to go outside of those areas and seek guidance from other people and places. I am comfortable doing this. Some people, however, are not comfortable going outside of their comfort zone of support. Sometimes, the reason is they just don't like to, other times they simply don't know where to turn for help. When Air Force Materiel Command's Wellness and Safety Campaign debuted May 8 in conjunction with the command's quarterly wingman week, the Wingman Day Wellness Survey tool debuted, as well. The survey is a tool AFMC leadership is using to get feedback on issues related to the wellness and safety of its work force. Question six on the survey asked respondents to answer "yes" or "no" to the statement, "I am fully aware of counseling resources available to me at my installation (Employee Assistance Program, Life Skills, Chaplain, Family Advocacy, One Source) and feel comfortable using them if needed." The overall intent of the question was to determine whether members of the AFMC work force are both aware of the array of services available to them and comfortable using those services. Specifically, the second part of the question asked those who answered "no" to identify the reason(s) why. Of the more than 10,000 responses received, the main reason, identified at all 10 AFMC bases, was "lack of awareness of the services available." The feedback from this question will be used in two ways. First, the data will provide a baseline measure for the effectiveness of the AFMC Wellness and Safety Campaign. We expect that the number of people who are aware of services will steadily increase over the months ahead. The WASC goal for awareness of services is 100 percent awareness by May 2007. Being aware means people knowing where to go for help. Some services are targeted for active-duty military, such as the Life Skills Support Centers and Military Equal Opportunity. Others are targeted primarily for AFMC civilian employees, such as the Employee Assistance Program and Civilian Health Promotion Services. Other services, such as the chaplain and the American Red Cross are available to both. Results will also be used to alert the Integrated Delivery System at each AFMC installation of the need to market the services effectively and the need to address any barriers to using those services. A personal experience I would like to share was when I was assigned to Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., in 2004. I arrived in the summer, unaccompanied by my family. Completely unfamiliar with the area, I went to the base's Family Readiness Center and signed up for a local-area tour. The guides showed newcomers how to use the subway, where to find historical sights, places of interest, etc. When my family joined me in October, I was a knowledgeable tour guide, able to navigate Boston like a native. My point is this: There are many helping resources at each base. I could have chosen to try to figure out things on my own, no doubt experiencing frustration and isolation. Had I not reached out, folks at the center would not have known I needed their help. There are other counseling services that are equally valuable. By becoming aware of how to access counseling services offered at your base and making use of those services when the need arises, you can master the life situations that challenge you. With a little expert coaching you will gain skills, recognize signs and be prepared to help others facing similar challenges. You'll navigate the clouds of life expertly and you'll be a great Wingman! Maybe you're new to your base or to the Air Force. Maybe you don't know your base because you drive only to work - and back home. The reason isn't really important. If you don't know where your base counseling resources are, ask someone like your supervisor or a coworker, or call the Airman and Family Readiness Center. They'll be happy to direct you. Do it before you need it. Many agencies offer services to help you strengthen one or more of your four dimensions of wellness. Wellness is where you find it. Start looking!