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Support networks bolster resiliency during stressful holidays

Holiday Resiliency podcast discussion

Chief Master Sgt. Troie Croft, AFLCMC Command Chief, and Senior Master Sgt. Elise Phillips, AFLCMC First Sergeant, sat for a Leadership Log podcast episode to discuss ways to lend a helping hand to those in need. To hear the full conversation, visit https://youtu.be/G6G9bfVuvYc or search Leadership Log on your favorite podcast carrier.

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFLCMC) – The holidays are a time of fellowship and joy for most, but for some it can be a very challenging time of year. 
 
Add to those challenges, the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases could make it even more difficult to meet and host traditional celebrations.  That could leave vulnerable members isolated and alone. 
 
Chief Master Sgt. Troie Croft, AFLCMC Command Chief, and Senior Master Sgt. Elise Phillips, AFLCMC First Sergeant, sat for a Leadership Log podcast episode to discuss ways to lend a helping hand to those in need. 
 
“Resiliency in general is a key topic in the Air Force and a big message for our folks to understand how they fit into the Air Force, how they can take care of themselves from multiple perspectives.  But it is intrinsic on our people to know what resiliency is,” said Croft.  
 
Phillips mentioned no one is immune to positive and negative life events.  The key, she said, is to not feel defeated, so you can bounce back and recover.
 
“Being able to learn from them and being able to teach others about that lesson learned and to be able to grow from that experience, to me, is resiliency.” 
 
She used the example of a tennis ball being able to bounce back from a low versus an egg that hits the ground and cracks. 
 
“It’s very important to note that we can’t do it alone,” she said.  We are not equipped, most of us are not equipped with those skills as people.  I think it’s important to rely on those helping agencies out there and whatever network that supports us in a positive fashion.” 
 
They discussed the wide range of support services available such as the Military & Family Life Counseling Program, Military OneSource and Employee Assistance Program.
 
“It is the full gamut of support agencies that are out there, everything from a chaplain you can get a spiritual connection with or you can talk to without fear of that information going any further all the way to professional services like our mental health or social workers – people who are steeped in how to walk you through life’s challenges,” Croft said.   
 
To hear the full conversation, you can watch Leadership Log on YouTube at https://youtu.be/G6G9bfVuvYc.  You can also listen by searching “Leadership Log” on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Overcast, Radio Public or Breaker.