GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas— Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, held a commander’s call for an in-person and virtual audience at the Powell Event Center, Sept. 30.
The commander’s call provided an opportunity for a variety of guest speakers and wing leadership to inform the audience on several important topics.
Tech. Sgt. Christian Arvelo, a member of the joint 5/6 organization, discussed upcoming sessions for the 17th TRW Airpower Leadership Academy. The goal of the ALA is to help bridge the gap in supervisory training for noncommissioned officers between Airman Leadership School and the NCO Academy. He stated the next session is scheduled from Oct. 17 to Oct. 22.
Tech. Sgt. Justin Crook and Master Sgt. Anthony Lefemine informed the audience on the creation of the Raider Spark Cell, which is housed in the Norma Brown building, as well as their new roles in leading the organization. Crook and Lefemine encouraged those in attendance to submit their innovative ideas to improve the efficiency of operations or programs within their respective work sections.
Tech. Sgt. Phillip Crews, 312th Training Squadron instructor, shared his deeply personal story related to trauma exposure as a firefighter and his experience with someone who took their own life. In sharing his experience, Crews discussed the rippling effect of pain, which created the opportunity to discover his resilience through conversations and connectedness with family and friends.
“It was one of those moments where I had to check my pride and ego at the door and start initiating those conversations,” said Crews. I was getting knocked down, beat into the ground, over and over again. I needed help standing on my feet. I found getting back on my feet easier when I had my Air Force family pick me back up.”
Crews, with the help from members of his unit, turned adversity into something positive. A few months ago, they came together to create a suicide awareness patch, with the goal of bringing more attention to this important topic. The patch they designed received the attention and endorsement of Air and Space Force leaders, who approved its wear with the Occupational Camouflage Uniform during the month of September and subsequent Fridays.
Reilman expressed his enthusiastic support for the patch: “This idea can change the United States Air Force.” He added, “mental health is just health.” “Drop the ‘mental’ and get some help: talk to each other, connect, be a great Wingman. I know this team can lift each other up and care for each other. Remember, no one fights alone.”