1 00:00:04,760 --> 00:00:06,730 - Alright good afternoon Team Robins. 2 00:00:06,730 --> 00:00:09,070 I'm colonel Brian Moore, the installation commander. 3 00:00:09,070 --> 00:00:10,680 With me is Chief Tim Wieser, 4 00:00:10,680 --> 00:00:12,540 the installation command chief. 5 00:00:12,540 --> 00:00:14,520 Today, we're here to talk to you 6 00:00:14,520 --> 00:00:16,900 a bit about our HOPE campaign. 7 00:00:16,900 --> 00:00:19,790 So you can see, we've got the new logos for the campaign, 8 00:00:19,790 --> 00:00:21,740 and as you know, HOPE stands for 9 00:00:21,740 --> 00:00:24,730 helping agencies, opportunities exist, 10 00:00:24,730 --> 00:00:27,790 people care, and expect great things. 11 00:00:27,790 --> 00:00:30,610 And just, you know, from our perspective, 12 00:00:30,610 --> 00:00:33,350 HOPE is not just a catchy phrase, 13 00:00:33,350 --> 00:00:35,810 it's that acronym and a philosophy, 14 00:00:35,810 --> 00:00:38,170 'cause optimism really is a force multiplier. 15 00:00:38,170 --> 00:00:41,350 And within the campaign, we have a lot of great people 16 00:00:41,350 --> 00:00:42,650 doing a lot of great things. 17 00:00:42,650 --> 00:00:45,960 So, today we're talking connectedness. 18 00:00:45,960 --> 00:00:47,570 In this COVID environment, 19 00:00:47,570 --> 00:00:52,510 where we're connecting digitally more, face-to-face less, 20 00:00:52,510 --> 00:00:54,970 I think this is a completely appropriate 21 00:00:54,970 --> 00:00:57,900 and relevant topic to discuss. 22 00:00:57,900 --> 00:00:59,970 What we want to do is make sure everybody knows 23 00:00:59,970 --> 00:01:01,980 that this campaign exists, 24 00:01:01,980 --> 00:01:04,520 and that you guys know how to connect 25 00:01:04,520 --> 00:01:07,810 to those HOPE-providers that are available to you. 26 00:01:07,810 --> 00:01:08,643 Chief? 27 00:01:08,643 --> 00:01:10,100 - Thank you sir, appreciate it. 28 00:01:10,100 --> 00:01:13,178 Yes, HOPE is an outstanding initiative 29 00:01:13,178 --> 00:01:15,950 that the team here has put together 30 00:01:15,950 --> 00:01:19,598 and instilling in our Team Robins personnel. 31 00:01:19,598 --> 00:01:22,180 I want to definitely give a big shout out 32 00:01:22,180 --> 00:01:24,210 to all of the first sergeants 33 00:01:24,210 --> 00:01:27,530 in programs across this great base 34 00:01:27,530 --> 00:01:30,670 that help people out when times are tough. 35 00:01:30,670 --> 00:01:34,360 I also want to give a big, big shout out to the supervisors, 36 00:01:34,360 --> 00:01:37,470 the family members, anybody who has listened 37 00:01:37,470 --> 00:01:40,309 to somebody in the past week, month, year, 38 00:01:40,309 --> 00:01:42,560 when they're having an issue and you sat down 39 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:45,290 to listen to them, you are for surely 40 00:01:45,290 --> 00:01:48,760 instilling the HOPE campaign everyday. 41 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:51,300 So, I wanna say thank you to those individuals. 42 00:01:51,300 --> 00:01:52,133 Sir? 43 00:01:52,133 --> 00:01:53,320 - Spot on, chief. 44 00:01:53,320 --> 00:01:55,590 In fact, first line supervisors, commanders, 45 00:01:55,590 --> 00:01:58,300 first sergeants, chiefs, that's only 46 00:01:58,300 --> 00:02:01,220 a segment of the folks that are available to you. 47 00:02:01,220 --> 00:02:02,510 Use your chain of command. 48 00:02:02,510 --> 00:02:04,950 First line supervisors, be engaged. 49 00:02:04,950 --> 00:02:06,920 Today, we've got a panel of great folks, 50 00:02:06,920 --> 00:02:10,760 subject matter experts, HOPE-providers, that are 51 00:02:10,760 --> 00:02:12,130 gonna be talking to you a little bit 52 00:02:12,130 --> 00:02:15,900 about other opportunities for you to engage 53 00:02:15,900 --> 00:02:17,090 and get connected. 54 00:02:17,090 --> 00:02:18,290 And so, now I'm gonna turn it over 55 00:02:18,290 --> 00:02:21,190 to Chaplain McMullan to talk about those HOPE-providers. 56 00:02:21,190 --> 00:02:22,820 - All right, well thanks for joining us 57 00:02:22,820 --> 00:02:24,110 and sitting down to take a little time 58 00:02:24,110 --> 00:02:25,670 to tell us a little about what you do. 59 00:02:25,670 --> 00:02:29,620 And so, Ron and Randall, I know a little bit 60 00:02:29,620 --> 00:02:31,900 about what you do, but for our viewing audience, 61 00:02:31,900 --> 00:02:35,370 why don't you introduce yourself, tell us where you work, 62 00:02:35,370 --> 00:02:37,150 and what you do where you work. 63 00:02:37,150 --> 00:02:39,378 - Alright, well I'm Ron Dunn, 64 00:02:39,378 --> 00:02:40,880 and I'm a Community Resiliency Coordinator 65 00:02:40,880 --> 00:02:45,520 under the integrative resiliency prevention office. 66 00:02:45,520 --> 00:02:48,900 I currently work out in the flight line under CMHG, 67 00:02:48,900 --> 00:02:51,380 building 140 is where I'm located. 68 00:02:51,380 --> 00:02:53,677 Pretty much what we do, we're there to help 69 00:02:53,677 --> 00:02:57,366 the people referral agents, provide hope as well, 70 00:02:57,366 --> 00:03:00,150 gather peer supporters, that's why we wear the lanyards, 71 00:03:00,150 --> 00:03:02,510 so they know who to look for, stuff like that. 72 00:03:02,510 --> 00:03:05,878 - So the green lanyards signify you're a peer supporter? 73 00:03:05,878 --> 00:03:06,738 - Right. 74 00:03:06,738 --> 00:03:07,579 - Alright, Randall, why don't you tell us 75 00:03:07,579 --> 00:03:10,277 a little bit more about what that means? 76 00:03:10,277 --> 00:03:12,401 - I'm a peer supporter. Well, that's a bit-- 77 00:03:12,401 --> 00:03:13,630 peer supporting, what we do, 78 00:03:13,630 --> 00:03:15,280 we bring them in and we train them 79 00:03:15,280 --> 00:03:18,700 on the different agencies, helping agencies across the base, 80 00:03:18,700 --> 00:03:20,470 so that as they're out in the units and 81 00:03:20,470 --> 00:03:23,580 out in their different shops, they could be a liaison 82 00:03:23,580 --> 00:03:28,460 and help their counterparts right there where they're at. 83 00:03:28,460 --> 00:03:30,160 And, they can introduce them, 84 00:03:30,160 --> 00:03:34,410 kinda the whole concept is that peers talk to peers. 85 00:03:34,410 --> 00:03:37,410 We hear things as a peer that normally, 86 00:03:37,410 --> 00:03:39,460 your leadership might not be aware of, 87 00:03:39,460 --> 00:03:43,890 but we notice things as a peer that others would not notice, 88 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:46,360 so, being able to step in and give 89 00:03:46,360 --> 00:03:47,910 that person that resource, 90 00:03:47,910 --> 00:03:50,360 they may not know what to do, where to go, 91 00:03:50,360 --> 00:03:51,463 but we have, 92 00:03:53,360 --> 00:03:54,193 we kind of give 93 00:03:54,193 --> 00:03:57,050 the peer volunteers that information. 94 00:03:57,050 --> 00:03:59,200 - Right, yeah I've actually had the privilege 95 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:00,930 of sitting in on some of y'all's meetings, 96 00:04:00,930 --> 00:04:03,950 and y'all are very versatile, it sounds like to me, 97 00:04:03,950 --> 00:04:05,870 like, literally you'd be willing to help 98 00:04:05,870 --> 00:04:08,480 facilitate any issue that someone has. 99 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:10,830 If they have a need for support, pretty much, 100 00:04:10,830 --> 00:04:13,081 with a general range, with pretty much anything, 101 00:04:13,081 --> 00:04:17,060 you guys pretty much are willing to lend support. 102 00:04:17,060 --> 00:04:17,893 Is that right? 103 00:04:17,893 --> 00:04:20,700 - Yes. We get trained on certain things, 104 00:04:20,700 --> 00:04:22,250 we're also Master Resiliency Trainers, 105 00:04:22,250 --> 00:04:24,400 which also helps us out. So sometimes they 106 00:04:24,400 --> 00:04:26,700 may not need to be referred, but we can give 107 00:04:26,700 --> 00:04:29,910 resiliency skills. Not everybody's looking for help, 108 00:04:29,910 --> 00:04:33,880 but we can provide them with some sense of resiliency skills 109 00:04:33,880 --> 00:04:35,133 to build themselves back up 110 00:04:35,133 --> 00:04:37,510 in times of crisis and stuff like that as well. 111 00:04:37,510 --> 00:04:39,320 - Absolutely. I kinda see myself 112 00:04:39,320 --> 00:04:42,210 as a chaplain in a lot of ways, like where you guys are, 113 00:04:42,210 --> 00:04:45,040 because I don't consider myself a therapist, right? 114 00:04:45,040 --> 00:04:48,410 I'm a pastoral counselor, but that's not therapy. 115 00:04:48,410 --> 00:04:51,020 So, a lot of times people come to me with other issues, 116 00:04:51,020 --> 00:04:52,500 be it legal or otherwise, 117 00:04:52,500 --> 00:04:53,850 and even sometimes mental health issues, 118 00:04:53,850 --> 00:04:57,350 and I'm not the one to probably advise them best 119 00:04:57,350 --> 00:04:59,218 on the issue, but I get to see them first, 120 00:04:59,218 --> 00:05:02,360 kind of what we call triage, and then I refer them. 121 00:05:02,360 --> 00:05:04,270 Do y'all do a lot of referrals like that as well? 122 00:05:04,270 --> 00:05:05,103 - Yes. 123 00:05:05,103 --> 00:05:06,170 - Yes, and that's what we're really known as, 124 00:05:06,170 --> 00:05:07,444 resource and referral. 125 00:05:07,444 --> 00:05:08,402 - Yeah. 126 00:05:08,402 --> 00:05:12,060 - And that's pretty much the nature of our job. 127 00:05:12,060 --> 00:05:15,040 A lot of folks already come in, they already know 128 00:05:15,040 --> 00:05:17,840 about the resources, but the one thing they don't know, 129 00:05:17,840 --> 00:05:20,300 is everything that those resources, you know, 130 00:05:20,300 --> 00:05:21,380 have available to them. 131 00:05:21,380 --> 00:05:25,700 So, as a resource and referral, we kind of give them 132 00:05:25,700 --> 00:05:28,500 all of those answers, and we lay it out before them 133 00:05:28,500 --> 00:05:31,950 and let them choose which resource they wanna use, 134 00:05:31,950 --> 00:05:34,230 whether its here on base or whether its out in town, 135 00:05:34,230 --> 00:05:36,560 whichever one they feel more comfortable with. 136 00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:39,010 - Well that's the thing to me, I've said often 137 00:05:39,010 --> 00:05:43,360 with the right amount of time, resources, and support, 138 00:05:43,360 --> 00:05:45,620 there's not very many things we can't get through, right? 139 00:05:45,620 --> 00:05:47,440 I mean, I can't imagine, you know. 140 00:05:47,440 --> 00:05:49,520 So people often get isolated-- 141 00:05:49,520 --> 00:05:54,520 Now, during this COVID-19, how have you guys been working to 142 00:05:54,820 --> 00:05:57,800 try to overcome what we call social distancing, 143 00:05:57,800 --> 00:06:00,010 but some people are saying that that's not a good term, 144 00:06:00,010 --> 00:06:01,631 maybe physical distancing, however you wanna-- 145 00:06:01,631 --> 00:06:04,147 We're together alone, however you refer to it, 146 00:06:04,147 --> 00:06:06,630 but it's made your job more challenging, I'm sure. 147 00:06:06,630 --> 00:06:08,440 - Yes, and, I mean at the, 148 00:06:08,440 --> 00:06:11,290 you know, with technology, emails, and stuff like that, 149 00:06:11,290 --> 00:06:13,650 so our job is also to be out there to, you know, 150 00:06:13,650 --> 00:06:16,510 give them that light, that we're still here for you, 151 00:06:16,510 --> 00:06:18,343 no matter what capacity we're in. 152 00:06:19,330 --> 00:06:21,070 We speak of the HOPE campaign as well, 153 00:06:21,070 --> 00:06:22,260 so we wanna provide those things, 154 00:06:22,260 --> 00:06:24,310 'cause not everybody can reach out 155 00:06:24,310 --> 00:06:25,650 but it makes it easier for some, 156 00:06:25,650 --> 00:06:29,470 where they can reach you either by phone or by email, 157 00:06:29,470 --> 00:06:32,437 because you know that picture of where, 158 00:06:32,437 --> 00:06:33,710 "I don't wanna be seen", 159 00:06:33,710 --> 00:06:35,810 but we provide that for them. 160 00:06:35,810 --> 00:06:37,640 So, you know the big thing is we wanna make sure 161 00:06:37,640 --> 00:06:40,974 that help is there, but, you know, 162 00:06:40,974 --> 00:06:42,324 we're gonna give it to you. 163 00:06:44,080 --> 00:06:46,540 Nothing's wrong with going to get help. 164 00:06:46,540 --> 00:06:50,340 - And speaking on that HOPE acronym, you know, 165 00:06:50,340 --> 00:06:53,130 that help is available. You know, like Mr. Ron was saying, 166 00:06:53,130 --> 00:06:55,160 we let them know that we're still available. 167 00:06:55,160 --> 00:06:59,610 I'm not a social media person, but I have been introduced 168 00:06:59,610 --> 00:07:02,130 to social media quite a lot, doing videos, 169 00:07:02,130 --> 00:07:04,817 reaching out through emails, letting them know that help is, 170 00:07:04,817 --> 00:07:07,420 you know. And opportunities. A lot of times, 171 00:07:07,420 --> 00:07:09,660 with this new normal, we think only 172 00:07:09,660 --> 00:07:12,820 the opportunities that we knew before are the only ones. 173 00:07:12,820 --> 00:07:15,470 But reaching them out to know of other opportunities. 174 00:07:16,870 --> 00:07:19,420 Like myself, I'm a workout guy, going to the gym-- 175 00:07:19,420 --> 00:07:20,520 - I can tell! 176 00:07:20,520 --> 00:07:23,055 - No, man I'm looking real pruney right now, but-- 177 00:07:23,055 --> 00:07:24,650 - (laughs) 178 00:07:24,650 --> 00:07:25,620 - Well, that's how I feel anyway, 179 00:07:25,620 --> 00:07:27,170 not being able to go to the gym. 180 00:07:27,170 --> 00:07:30,110 And, other opportunities to do it as is. 181 00:07:30,110 --> 00:07:32,645 You can work out now. Walk around your yard, you know. 182 00:07:32,645 --> 00:07:33,478 - Yeah! 183 00:07:33,478 --> 00:07:34,355 - People do care, reach out. 184 00:07:34,355 --> 00:07:35,188 - Absolutely. 185 00:07:35,188 --> 00:07:36,021 - We care, you know, the people around you. 186 00:07:36,021 --> 00:07:38,620 So don't isolate yourself, as much as possible. 187 00:07:38,620 --> 00:07:40,740 Reach out on social media, call, even though-- 188 00:07:40,740 --> 00:07:41,573 - Absolutely. 189 00:07:41,573 --> 00:07:43,655 - But, you know at the end of the day, 190 00:07:43,655 --> 00:07:45,535 expect some good to happen. 191 00:07:45,535 --> 00:07:47,147 - You went through the HOPE acronym. I just saw that. 192 00:07:47,147 --> 00:07:48,654 - Yes sir. - Good job! 193 00:07:48,654 --> 00:07:51,139 - Yes sir, most definitely. Making sure that 194 00:07:51,139 --> 00:07:54,540 we understand that, just because its a new normal, 195 00:07:54,540 --> 00:07:58,370 we're not closing ourself in, we're still here. 196 00:07:58,370 --> 00:07:59,730 - Well it was good to talk to y'all, 197 00:07:59,730 --> 00:08:01,730 thank you for all that you're doing. 198 00:08:01,730 --> 00:08:03,200 Y'all are doing groundbreaking work, 199 00:08:03,200 --> 00:08:06,401 right here at Team Robins, and we appreciate you, 200 00:08:06,401 --> 00:08:08,060 and y'all are definitely HOPE-providers. 201 00:08:08,060 --> 00:08:09,406 Thank you for sharing your time with us. 202 00:08:09,406 --> 00:08:11,062 - Yes sir, we thank you for the opportunity. 203 00:08:11,062 --> 00:08:11,895 - Okay 204 00:08:11,895 --> 00:08:12,728 - Alright. 205 00:08:12,728 --> 00:08:16,210 - I'm joined today by Sergeant Miller and Sergeant Barnshaw. 206 00:08:16,210 --> 00:08:17,870 Why don't you tell us where it is that you work, 207 00:08:17,870 --> 00:08:18,890 'cause I know you're first shirt 208 00:08:18,890 --> 00:08:20,850 but what unit are you responsible for? 209 00:08:20,850 --> 00:08:22,630 - Yes, master sergeant Sharry Barnshaw, I am from 210 00:08:22,630 --> 00:08:25,630 the Air Force lifecycle management center, detachment 10. 211 00:08:25,630 --> 00:08:26,580 - Wow! Okay. 212 00:08:26,580 --> 00:08:28,250 - I'm master sergeant Matthew Miller, I'm 213 00:08:28,250 --> 00:08:31,830 an additional duty first sergeant for the 78th OSS and CEG. 214 00:08:31,830 --> 00:08:35,303 - How many people are in your respective units? 215 00:08:36,466 --> 00:08:39,100 - So, I have about 3.3 thousand. 216 00:08:39,100 --> 00:08:40,600 - 3.3 thousand, wow! 217 00:08:40,600 --> 00:08:44,267 - Yes, and I have about 178 military 218 00:08:44,267 --> 00:08:45,860 and the rest are civilians. 219 00:08:45,860 --> 00:08:48,740 - Okay! Mostly civilians, obviously. How about you? 220 00:08:48,740 --> 00:08:51,000 - Its about the same number, and mine are mostly civilians, 221 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:53,533 especially in CEG section. The majority of my military are 222 00:08:53,533 --> 00:08:54,800 in OSS. 223 00:08:54,800 --> 00:08:57,130 - Is this the first time that you have worked 224 00:08:57,130 --> 00:08:59,079 in a unit that's mostly civilians? 225 00:08:59,079 --> 00:08:59,912 - Yes. 226 00:08:59,912 --> 00:09:00,780 - Is it? - Yes 227 00:09:00,780 --> 00:09:01,613 - How about you? 228 00:09:01,613 --> 00:09:02,446 - Yes, sir. - Wow. 229 00:09:02,446 --> 00:09:04,080 That's a different culture, isn't it? 230 00:09:04,080 --> 00:09:04,913 - Absolutely. 231 00:09:04,913 --> 00:09:09,913 - How do you draw a distinction, for those who are watching, 232 00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:11,710 what's the distinction in terms of-- 233 00:09:11,710 --> 00:09:13,450 what would be a normal distinction there 234 00:09:13,450 --> 00:09:17,810 from a active duty unit, mostly military, to civilian? 235 00:09:17,810 --> 00:09:21,570 - So, for me, the biggest distinction is that 236 00:09:21,570 --> 00:09:24,600 a lot of my civilians have never been active duty, 237 00:09:24,600 --> 00:09:28,850 or served in the military at all. So it's definitely 238 00:09:28,850 --> 00:09:32,780 a different interaction in terms of how I explain 239 00:09:32,780 --> 00:09:36,280 certain things, or how I explain how 240 00:09:36,280 --> 00:09:40,270 things are traditionally done, in a traditional, you know, 241 00:09:40,270 --> 00:09:43,556 active duty squadron that is predominately military. 242 00:09:43,556 --> 00:09:45,603 - Right, got it. What do you think? 243 00:09:45,603 --> 00:09:49,810 - For the OSS side, I am actually a little bit different. 244 00:09:49,810 --> 00:09:52,580 We have a lot of members that have served 245 00:09:52,580 --> 00:09:55,360 within OSSs in their prior careers. 246 00:09:55,360 --> 00:09:58,260 We have a few chiefs, retired chiefs. 247 00:09:58,260 --> 00:10:01,220 So it gets hard because sometimes you have to deal 248 00:10:01,220 --> 00:10:03,610 with trying to bring a little bit of that back, 249 00:10:03,610 --> 00:10:06,136 but still remaining a lane, you know, 250 00:10:06,136 --> 00:10:09,024 with it being civilian as well. 251 00:10:09,024 --> 00:10:11,000 - So, from my perspective as a chaplain 252 00:10:11,000 --> 00:10:12,350 having worked with a lot of first shirts, 253 00:10:12,350 --> 00:10:14,371 I'm thinking possibly that, 254 00:10:14,371 --> 00:10:17,240 those first three stripes especially, 255 00:10:17,240 --> 00:10:20,010 that you kind of have to break in a new airmen 256 00:10:20,010 --> 00:10:23,300 and almost be like a parent figure to them as much. 257 00:10:23,300 --> 00:10:26,900 Do y'all probably not do as much as that, obviously, right? 258 00:10:26,900 --> 00:10:28,890 - So for lifecycle management center, 259 00:10:28,890 --> 00:10:30,783 we structure it a little differently. 260 00:10:30,783 --> 00:10:33,340 So a majority of our folks are program managers, 261 00:10:33,340 --> 00:10:36,446 so we are lopsided in a away that a traditional squadron 262 00:10:36,446 --> 00:10:40,010 normally looks like. So I have two airmen, 263 00:10:40,010 --> 00:10:43,850 I have roughly about anywhere between 11-15 NCOs, 264 00:10:43,850 --> 00:10:47,340 I have 36 senior NCOs or master sergeants, 265 00:10:47,340 --> 00:10:50,490 and then I have four senior master sergeants. 266 00:10:50,490 --> 00:10:52,890 We don't have any chiefs, the rest are officers. 267 00:10:52,890 --> 00:10:54,810 So I don't have a whole lot of that interaction 268 00:10:54,810 --> 00:10:57,160 with the younger airmen, unless I, you know, 269 00:10:57,160 --> 00:11:00,200 venture out into the base and take that opportunity to meet. 270 00:11:00,200 --> 00:11:02,675 - So you have, we might call it a top heavy unit, 271 00:11:02,675 --> 00:11:05,090 with leadership. Okay, what about your unit? 272 00:11:05,090 --> 00:11:07,970 - I think you'd be surprised at how we-- 273 00:11:07,970 --> 00:11:10,700 I don't treat my civilians any differently than my airmen. 274 00:11:10,700 --> 00:11:14,573 So when it comes, especially to HOPE stuff and resiliency, 275 00:11:15,417 --> 00:11:17,709 you know, much like you, 276 00:11:17,709 --> 00:11:20,882 that we see people at the best times and at the worst times. 277 00:11:20,882 --> 00:11:21,715 - Right. 278 00:11:21,715 --> 00:11:24,660 - So we need to kind of get them through and keep them 279 00:11:24,660 --> 00:11:26,140 moving forward, as far as that. 280 00:11:26,140 --> 00:11:28,993 And whoever walks in my office, whoever I see in my hallway, 281 00:11:28,993 --> 00:11:32,997 I don't really see it much different. So its-- 282 00:11:35,340 --> 00:11:37,327 This aspect, for this forum, its very, you know, 283 00:11:37,327 --> 00:11:40,730 to get somebody a HOPE-provider, to get them moving forward, 284 00:11:40,730 --> 00:11:42,300 its all relatively the same. 285 00:11:42,300 --> 00:11:45,734 - Absolutely. So for me, I think there's some misconception 286 00:11:45,734 --> 00:11:48,220 about the first shirt career field, anyhow. 287 00:11:48,220 --> 00:11:50,070 I mean, I think some people tend to, 288 00:11:50,070 --> 00:11:53,090 especially in the active duty side, to think of first shirts 289 00:11:53,090 --> 00:11:54,680 as people that you need to watch out. 290 00:11:54,680 --> 00:11:58,420 And when commanders show up or their supervisor, 291 00:11:58,420 --> 00:12:01,370 our first shirt people tend to straighten up a little bit. 292 00:12:01,370 --> 00:12:03,200 But, you know, I've been very impressed 293 00:12:03,200 --> 00:12:06,133 with how much breadth the first shirts bring 294 00:12:06,133 --> 00:12:09,440 to the air force. Like, I actually think that you guys get 295 00:12:09,440 --> 00:12:12,520 a on-the-job masters of social work. 296 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:14,910 I mean, did you realize when you took on 297 00:12:14,910 --> 00:12:17,410 the first shirt responsibility how much social work 298 00:12:17,410 --> 00:12:20,696 you'd be doing in terms of the type of work you'd be doing? 299 00:12:20,696 --> 00:12:22,370 - Well, for me, absolutely. 300 00:12:22,370 --> 00:12:23,820 That's the reason why I became a first sergeant. 301 00:12:23,820 --> 00:12:24,653 - Oh, it is? 302 00:12:24,653 --> 00:12:28,280 - Yes. Now, there's some things they don't 303 00:12:28,280 --> 00:12:29,640 teach you in the academy, right, 304 00:12:29,640 --> 00:12:31,258 that you kind of learn on the job. 305 00:12:31,258 --> 00:12:33,120 It's a little bit of a surprise. 306 00:12:33,120 --> 00:12:35,180 But for me, helping people, it doesn't really matter 307 00:12:35,180 --> 00:12:37,806 what that means, or what that looks like. 308 00:12:37,806 --> 00:12:39,570 As long as I have the opportunity 309 00:12:39,570 --> 00:12:43,750 or I can pour myself into helping others, I'm all for it. 310 00:12:43,750 --> 00:12:45,400 - Awesome. What about you? Did you know that, 311 00:12:45,400 --> 00:12:48,300 when you took on the diamond, that the kind of-- 312 00:12:48,300 --> 00:12:50,720 How long have you been in first shirt, by the way? 313 00:12:50,720 --> 00:12:52,220 - It'll be almost a year this fall. 314 00:12:52,220 --> 00:12:53,619 - Almost a year. How was your first year? 315 00:12:53,619 --> 00:12:55,039 Is it different than what you thought? 316 00:12:55,039 --> 00:12:55,872 - I'm just additionally duty, 317 00:12:55,872 --> 00:12:59,528 so I started just dipping my feet in but now I'm full time, 318 00:12:59,528 --> 00:13:01,433 filling in an empty spot. 319 00:13:02,320 --> 00:13:04,920 Yeah, its been a ride, 320 00:13:04,920 --> 00:13:07,590 but I mean I wouldn't be going, I'm going for my diamond, 321 00:13:07,590 --> 00:13:09,300 I wouldn't be going for it if I didn't 322 00:13:09,300 --> 00:13:10,590 feel like it was important. 323 00:13:10,590 --> 00:13:12,950 But I think there's an evolution, 324 00:13:12,950 --> 00:13:15,760 I'm seeing an evolution at least, from when, I remember, 325 00:13:15,760 --> 00:13:17,840 first sergeants when I was growing up to now, 326 00:13:17,840 --> 00:13:21,487 where they're more trained. They get MRT training 327 00:13:21,487 --> 00:13:26,487 in the academy, they're doing more safe talk type training. 328 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:29,400 The first sergeants are out there grabbing 329 00:13:29,400 --> 00:13:33,070 and wanting all of this knowledge because, I think, 330 00:13:33,070 --> 00:13:35,430 inherently we are all put in situations 331 00:13:35,430 --> 00:13:37,280 where it's uncomfortable. 332 00:13:37,280 --> 00:13:39,040 So I think the more things you know, 333 00:13:39,040 --> 00:13:41,350 the more comfortable you are, and for first sergeant, 334 00:13:41,350 --> 00:13:44,030 you never know what you're going to be getting in to. 335 00:13:44,030 --> 00:13:48,800 - Well we definitely consider first shirts HOPE-providers. 336 00:13:48,800 --> 00:13:51,760 You guys are gonna be there in people's, like you said, 337 00:13:51,760 --> 00:13:53,367 best times, but sometimes in their worst times. 338 00:13:53,367 --> 00:13:57,140 And when sometimes people get in that worst time crisis, 339 00:13:57,140 --> 00:13:59,370 they need to be reminded that there is hope. 340 00:13:59,370 --> 00:14:01,290 So thanks for being HOPE-providers. 341 00:14:01,290 --> 00:14:02,920 Thanks for all that you do. We appreciate 342 00:14:02,920 --> 00:14:05,720 you sharing with us and joining us for this conversation. 343 00:14:05,720 --> 00:14:06,618 I really enjoyed it. 344 00:14:06,618 --> 00:14:07,451 - Thank you. 345 00:14:07,451 --> 00:14:08,284 - Thank you. 346 00:14:09,520 --> 00:14:11,856 Well good afternoon, how y'all doing? 347 00:14:11,856 --> 00:14:12,689 - I'm great. - Good. 348 00:14:12,689 --> 00:14:15,270 - I'm joined by Senior Master Sergeant Thomas 349 00:14:15,270 --> 00:14:18,524 and Mr. Hammond. And we've done some training together. 350 00:14:18,524 --> 00:14:20,870 We did the safe-talk training and 351 00:14:20,870 --> 00:14:22,320 we've done other things together. 352 00:14:22,320 --> 00:14:23,705 I feel like I know you very well, but we want 353 00:14:23,705 --> 00:14:26,890 to give you a chance to let the people know that are viewing 354 00:14:26,890 --> 00:14:29,283 what it is that you do. You guys are IRTAs, is that right? 355 00:14:29,283 --> 00:14:30,116 - Yes. - That's right. 356 00:14:30,116 --> 00:14:31,230 - Okay, and that's what that lanyard is right, right? 357 00:14:31,230 --> 00:14:32,063 Around your neck? 358 00:14:32,063 --> 00:14:34,760 - Hi, yes sir. It's more or less identification 359 00:14:34,760 --> 00:14:37,649 for people who might not know you personally. 360 00:14:37,649 --> 00:14:39,510 It kind of gives them an idea that 361 00:14:39,510 --> 00:14:41,310 you're someone that they can come up to and approach, 362 00:14:41,310 --> 00:14:44,100 and maybe share some things that may be 363 00:14:44,100 --> 00:14:46,300 troubling them a little bit. 364 00:14:46,300 --> 00:14:48,020 It just kind of helps us get recognized. 365 00:14:48,020 --> 00:14:49,580 - And the little card that you have, 366 00:14:49,580 --> 00:14:52,260 it's got all the referral helping agencies 367 00:14:52,260 --> 00:14:53,400 on one little card, right? 368 00:14:53,400 --> 00:14:54,233 - That is correct. 369 00:14:54,233 --> 00:14:55,066 - That's a good resource. 370 00:14:55,066 --> 00:14:56,520 Are those available to people who want to get one? 371 00:14:56,520 --> 00:14:57,353 - Yes, they are. 372 00:14:57,353 --> 00:14:59,020 We normally pass those out during the teaching, 373 00:14:59,020 --> 00:15:00,900 but the information is also available 374 00:15:00,900 --> 00:15:02,700 on the Robins connect, I believe. 375 00:15:02,700 --> 00:15:04,280 - I think that's a great resource. 376 00:15:04,280 --> 00:15:05,710 So how long have you guys been 377 00:15:05,710 --> 00:15:07,160 in your seats doing what you're doing? 378 00:15:07,160 --> 00:15:09,560 Tell us where you work so that we can know what unit 379 00:15:09,560 --> 00:15:10,640 you're supporting. 380 00:15:10,640 --> 00:15:14,047 - I'm over in JSTARS, so I'm 461st maintenance squadron. 381 00:15:14,047 --> 00:15:18,830 I've been doing this for about four years now. 382 00:15:18,830 --> 00:15:19,663 - Okay! 383 00:15:19,663 --> 00:15:21,893 - Officially four years in April. 384 00:15:21,893 --> 00:15:23,500 - And the JSTARS unit here 385 00:15:23,500 --> 00:15:25,721 is the only active duty JSTARS unit, right? 386 00:15:25,721 --> 00:15:26,554 - In the air force! 387 00:15:26,554 --> 00:15:28,870 - That's amazing! It's got a big footprint, a lot of people. 388 00:15:28,870 --> 00:15:30,370 How many people are in the unit? 389 00:15:30,370 --> 00:15:33,840 - Well in the squadron, its only about 218 people. 390 00:15:33,840 --> 00:15:35,980 But across the wing there's a couple thousands. 391 00:15:35,980 --> 00:15:39,037 - Yeah! Oh man, that's great. How about you, Mr. Hammond? 392 00:15:39,037 --> 00:15:42,190 - I'm in the 562nd, as I've said. 393 00:15:42,190 --> 00:15:47,190 I was initially introduced to resilience back in like 2013, 394 00:15:47,440 --> 00:15:49,760 but over the last year and a half I think 395 00:15:49,760 --> 00:15:54,652 is when I really got involved and became an IRTA-- 396 00:15:54,652 --> 00:15:55,990 - Now what does the IRTA stand for, 397 00:15:55,990 --> 00:15:58,060 so we can let our viewing audience know that? 398 00:15:58,060 --> 00:15:58,893 Why don't you tell us that. 399 00:15:58,893 --> 00:16:01,770 - It's the Integrated Resilience Training Assistant. 400 00:16:01,770 --> 00:16:03,747 - Okay. And you went through training, obviously, 401 00:16:03,747 --> 00:16:04,890 to get to that point? 402 00:16:04,890 --> 00:16:06,880 - We did, and there's several trainings 403 00:16:06,880 --> 00:16:09,573 that are kind of put together for an IRTA. 404 00:16:09,573 --> 00:16:12,930 So we have the Resilience Training Assistant program 405 00:16:12,930 --> 00:16:16,103 that we get certified in. There are MRTs which is myself, 406 00:16:16,103 --> 00:16:19,190 a Master Resilience Trainer. We do Four Lenses, 407 00:16:19,190 --> 00:16:22,660 we do violence prevention. So there's a lot of things 408 00:16:22,660 --> 00:16:26,175 that we're able to teach and facilitate to help us through. 409 00:16:26,175 --> 00:16:27,577 - That's awesome. 410 00:16:27,577 --> 00:16:29,840 So have you done the Four Lenses, Mr. Hammond? 411 00:16:29,840 --> 00:16:31,543 - I have taken that, yes. 412 00:16:32,787 --> 00:16:35,540 Trying to get a little bit more involved in it, 413 00:16:35,540 --> 00:16:37,933 to actively teach it too, as well. 414 00:16:38,850 --> 00:16:40,850 So we're in transition right now, trying to get 415 00:16:40,850 --> 00:16:41,776 to that point. 416 00:16:41,776 --> 00:16:43,720 - What's your bread and butter, 417 00:16:43,720 --> 00:16:45,128 in terms of what you bring to the fight? 418 00:16:45,128 --> 00:16:47,133 What's the thing you really like to do? 419 00:16:49,370 --> 00:16:51,520 - I love teaching, for one. 420 00:16:51,520 --> 00:16:54,693 I believe in everything that we have to offer. 421 00:16:55,600 --> 00:16:57,940 I've seen the effects of it. I've had people 422 00:16:57,940 --> 00:17:00,763 come up to me and expressing some things. 423 00:17:01,760 --> 00:17:05,110 They give us feedback on some of our training, and it helps. 424 00:17:05,110 --> 00:17:07,820 I'm committed to it because I know that it works. 425 00:17:07,820 --> 00:17:12,130 And I remember when I first met Camille here, 426 00:17:12,130 --> 00:17:15,010 she kind of inspired me a little bit. She came and 427 00:17:15,010 --> 00:17:18,170 talked to us a little bit and kind of reignited me. 428 00:17:18,170 --> 00:17:21,900 - That's awesome! So during this COVID-19 crisis, 429 00:17:21,900 --> 00:17:23,720 what's been the greatest challenge for you, 430 00:17:23,720 --> 00:17:25,733 in terms of trying to support your unit? 431 00:17:26,810 --> 00:17:30,660 - It really has been. People are tired. 432 00:17:30,660 --> 00:17:32,890 People have their own opinions about 433 00:17:32,890 --> 00:17:34,250 what they should and shouldn't do. 434 00:17:34,250 --> 00:17:38,350 There's so much mixed information in the media. 435 00:17:38,350 --> 00:17:40,210 You know Facebook can get overwhelming, 436 00:17:40,210 --> 00:17:43,030 so a lot of people don't know what to believe. 437 00:17:43,030 --> 00:17:45,330 There's a lot of infighting because, again, 438 00:17:45,330 --> 00:17:47,570 they don't know what to believe. Some people are far left, 439 00:17:47,570 --> 00:17:51,140 some people are far right. So just trying to find a balance, 440 00:17:51,140 --> 00:17:55,730 to help them to find the facts, really, 441 00:17:55,730 --> 00:17:57,950 and find out the accurate parts, make decisions 442 00:17:57,950 --> 00:18:01,558 based on that, so that they don't become overwhelmed. 443 00:18:01,558 --> 00:18:03,600 You can kind of filter and sort that stuff out, 444 00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:07,050 but just trying to bring some of the stress levels down, 445 00:18:07,050 --> 00:18:10,467 by "hey, you can control what you can control", you know, 446 00:18:10,467 --> 00:18:11,987 "take care of what you can, 447 00:18:11,987 --> 00:18:13,790 and the rest will fall in place". 448 00:18:13,790 --> 00:18:15,920 - Sounds to me like you're a HOPE-provider! 449 00:18:15,920 --> 00:18:18,480 - I am! (laughs) 450 00:18:18,480 --> 00:18:20,330 - How about you, Mr. Hammond, what's been one of the 451 00:18:20,330 --> 00:18:22,840 greatest challenges for you during this time? 452 00:18:22,840 --> 00:18:24,520 - Pretty much the same thing. 453 00:18:24,520 --> 00:18:27,970 I stayed at work for the most part of it. 454 00:18:27,970 --> 00:18:30,750 And just the ones that were working for me, 455 00:18:30,750 --> 00:18:34,270 having to deal with them on a day-to-day basis, 456 00:18:34,270 --> 00:18:37,720 with the things they were dealing with, mass confusion, 457 00:18:37,720 --> 00:18:41,990 as she said, and just trying to be that one solid rock 458 00:18:41,990 --> 00:18:45,990 that can provide some source of comfort 459 00:18:45,990 --> 00:18:48,790 or some source of stability, if you will, 460 00:18:48,790 --> 00:18:51,040 through this confusion. 461 00:18:51,040 --> 00:18:52,910 - Definitely sounds like you're a HOPE-provider! 462 00:18:52,910 --> 00:18:54,010 A solid rock, I love it! 463 00:18:54,010 --> 00:18:57,250 Well I just want to thank y'all for what you're doing. 464 00:18:57,250 --> 00:18:59,030 Thank you for bringing hope to people 465 00:18:59,030 --> 00:19:02,540 and I think now more than ever we need what you're 466 00:19:02,540 --> 00:19:05,170 representing, and thank you for bringing it. 467 00:19:05,170 --> 00:19:06,650 Thank you for sharing today with us. 468 00:19:06,650 --> 00:19:07,483 Really appreciate you doing this. 469 00:19:07,483 --> 00:19:09,920 - Absolutely, thank you. - Yes sir, thank you. 470 00:19:09,920 --> 00:19:10,980 - Alright, thanks Chaplain McMillan 471 00:19:10,980 --> 00:19:13,910 and all the HOPE-providers that participated today. 472 00:19:13,910 --> 00:19:16,960 Now I want to introduce to you Mrs. Angele Devizin 473 00:19:16,960 --> 00:19:18,160 who's also a HOPE-provider, 474 00:19:18,160 --> 00:19:20,553 to talk a little bit more about the HOPE campaign. 475 00:19:21,570 --> 00:19:22,870 - Thank you Colonel Moore. 476 00:19:24,250 --> 00:19:25,980 Hello, my name is Angele Devizin 477 00:19:25,980 --> 00:19:28,700 and I am the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response 478 00:19:28,700 --> 00:19:30,722 program manager for Team Robins, 479 00:19:30,722 --> 00:19:33,650 and I am so honored and excited to introduce 480 00:19:33,650 --> 00:19:37,193 the Why We Advocate series under the HOPE campaign. 481 00:19:38,530 --> 00:19:41,300 With this series, we want to emphasize that 482 00:19:41,300 --> 00:19:44,360 help is available, but especially during this time 483 00:19:44,360 --> 00:19:48,640 its important that HOPE-providers like yourselves 484 00:19:48,640 --> 00:19:52,290 reflect on why we do what we do everyday 485 00:19:52,290 --> 00:19:54,760 to make this world just a little better. 486 00:19:54,760 --> 00:19:58,360 Secondly, we know that opportunities do exist, 487 00:19:58,360 --> 00:20:00,730 but when they don't, you have the opportunity 488 00:20:00,730 --> 00:20:05,730 to create them. And finally, we want you to know that 489 00:20:06,300 --> 00:20:09,060 HOPE-providers is not tied to a job, 490 00:20:09,060 --> 00:20:11,420 but we can all be ambassadors of HOPE. 491 00:20:11,420 --> 00:20:14,360 Through the Why We Advocate campaign, we want to know 492 00:20:14,360 --> 00:20:19,360 why you advocate for whatever that positivity is. 493 00:20:19,540 --> 00:20:22,077 And so right now, I'm gonna turn it to Chief Wieser, 494 00:20:22,077 --> 00:20:25,540 and I'm gonna ask him why he advocates for hope. 495 00:20:25,540 --> 00:20:27,320 - I advocate for HOPE to take care of airmen 496 00:20:27,320 --> 00:20:28,373 and their families. 497 00:20:29,946 --> 00:20:31,690 - And Colonel Moore? 498 00:20:31,690 --> 00:20:34,021 - I advocate because we're better together, 499 00:20:34,021 --> 00:20:36,174 and every airmen counts. 500 00:20:36,174 --> 00:20:38,820 - Thank you. Thank you both for your support.