Edwards master resilience trainers ready to train new volunteers Published May 21, 2013 By Jet Fabara 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Office EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- To complement the new approach of taking care of oneself and others via the Comprehensive Airman Fitness methodology, certified and trained master resilience trainers at Edwards are increasing efforts week-by-week to prepare volunteer resilience trainer assistants within each unit. "MRTs will provide awareness education and skill development techniques for Airmen and their families in order to enhance individual resilience across the four pillars of CAF: mental, physical, social, and spiritual," said Nancy Koch-Castillo, Edwards Community Support coordinator. "Our MRTs demonstrate a high degree of personal resilience and have the ability to openly discuss personal real-life experiences." According to Koch-Castillo, these new MRTs will include 1st Lt. Whitney Mithun with the 773rd Test Squadron, 2nd Lt. Christopher Talbot with the 771st Test Squadron, and Tech. Sgt. Justin Clark with the 412th Maintenance Squadron, and Jennifer Housholder with the 775th Test Squadron. "Our MRTs are all an integral element in providing training as installation experts for the CAF," said Koch-Castillo. "Resilience is a word that has been thrown around a lot recently in the military, and I think that one of the great things about MRTs is that they're able to show Airmen how to be resilient. Resilience is something that people may not necessarily be born with - but it is something that can be learned," added Mithun. "I chose to volunteer as an MRT because I truly believe that there is nothing more important in our military than taking care of our people. I've studied many different psychological models, and I am confident that this cutting edge program will absolutely make a positive impact on our force." Once volunteer RTAs are selected, they will assist the MRTs in the role of being the go to people in their specific organizations and will be advisers to their commanders on all aspects of resiliency, according to Koch-Castillo. "This model isn't about intervention, but is, instead, a proactive approach at helping Airmen to obtain and maintain mental wellness," Mithun said. "I would challenge anyone to give this program a chance, because I am completely convinced that at least some of the tools that this program has to offer will resonate with each and every Airman." "As a whole, resilient employees equal a healthy resilient community which results in a ready force, that is why having those MRTs and RTAs within each unit is so essential," Koch-Castillo added. If interested in becoming an MRT or RTA, please contact Mrs. Koch-Castillo at (661) 277-6711. The four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness are defined as the following: Mental Pillar: The ability to effectively cope with unique mental stressors and challenges necessary to ensure mission readiness. Physical Pillar: The ability to adopt and sustain healthy behaviors needed to enhance health and wellbeing. Social Pillar: The ability to engage in healthy social networks that promote overall well-being and optimal performance. Spiritual Pillar: The ability to sustain an individual's sense of well-being and purpose through a set of beliefs, principles or values.