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Spiritual Resiliency Day enlightens Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  More than 300 people attended the 52nd Fighter Wing's Spiritual Resiliency Day June 4, 2015, with briefing locations across the base.

The event aimed to assist Airmen, civilian and family members become resilient and better-equipped to deal with the challenges associated with military life. The day also highlighted the spiritual pillar of Comprehensive Airman Fitness while incorporating other pillars of mental, social and physical wellness.

"The spiritual pillar, arguably one of the hardest to quantify and measure, is just as important as the other three to our overall fitness and resiliency," said U.S. Air Force Col. Joe McFall, 52nd FW commander.

Workshops included Spiritual Resilience 101, Intro to World Religions, Yoga for Kids, Cross-Cultural Communication, Living a Values-Driven Life, Interpersonal Problem Solving, Yoga, I Am Gladiator, Nature Hike, Mindfulness 101, and The Five Love Languages for Children.

"Spiritual resiliency day was intended to provide forums throughout the day where Airmen could connect with one another and gain a greater understanding of how to develop or build upon their own sense of purpose and meaning in life," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicole Ballinger, 52nd Medical Operations Squadron and head of Spangdahlem's Wellness Promotion Committee.

Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, a Department of Defense resiliency consultant, served as keynote speaker for the main conference and shared her story of having been a Prisoner of War during the Persian Gulf War.  The general said that the goal of her presentation centered on inspiring others from her own perspective regarding courage, perseverance and strength.

"This seminar teaches practical applications of resilient thinking skills," she said. "It is very practical and it is not just militarily unique, it teaches you how to cope with anything. Knowing all these resilient and optimistic thinking skills and putting things into perspective will help make better people. People who have good relationships and are good people will make better Airmen."

Cornum further explained that an Airman doesn't have to be religious in order to be spiritually fit. 

"I remind people that spiritual strength is not the same thing as religiosity," Cornum said. "Religion is a very important part of spiritual strength for many people, but for others it might not be there at all. But they can still find meaning and purpose in any number ways. I think it's important to remember that."

For more information, contact the base chapel at DSN 452-6711 or 06565-61-6711.
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