#RiseUp Mental Health, Resiliency at JBSA Published May 4, 2020 By 1st Lt. Kayshel Trudell JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Members of the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (WHASC) Mental Health Clinic and 737th Training Group Military Training Consult Service (MTCS) mental health team spent their Monday motivating others with words of encouragement for base personnel and community members as part of a mental health and resiliency effort during the COVID-19 pandemic at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, May 4. These morale posters were a way that these motivated Airmen could do their part to remind the JBSA team that we are in this together, that they matter and thank them for all they are doing to keep the team strong during these unprecedented times. Volunteers in and out of uniform posted at the Luke East Gate and at Wildford Hall entrance to offer these pleasant grating to passersby throughout the morning. “After worldwide tragedies related to COVID-19, the world faces a new challenges and military and civilian members at Lackland are continuous supporting critical missions every day,” said 1st Lt Amanda Mansour, Mental Health Flight Staff Clinical Social Worker at the 59th Medical Operations Squadron, and organizer of the effort. “During this time of uncertainty and stress taking care of your Mental Health is extremely important. These signs are simple reminders that the Mental Health Clinic and other base resources are here to support you. You matter, you are appreciated and we will get through this together.” Events like these and many others are taking place across all JBSA locations as well as throughout the Air Education and Training Command in an effort to rally together as a team and to support one-another during COVID-19. “These signs of encouragement were a way we could give the JBSA community a visual reminder their continued dedication does not go unnoticed," said Maj. Jessica Stanely, MTCS deputy chief. “The effects of COVID-19 have been widespread and personal. For our community some may feel increased stress at work and at home, even like they are in survival mode. Being in that mode for the long term can result in a sacrifice of self-care and mental-well being can suffer. Resiliency events like this can sometimes be just what someone needs to help them refocus their stressful thoughts and prepare for the day. We would also like to remind everyone to make sure they dedicate time to take care of themselves. This can be as simple as taking a minute of silence for yourself, or going for an hour long run. If the practice of self-care is not enough, your Mental Health team is still here to support you..” Base communities across the globe are using opportunities like these be Wingman to one another and unit as a team. “There are so many incredible stories we are already hearing about individuals and units across AETC stepping up, yet I know that each and every member of our community has a story of adapting and overcoming during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said AETC Command Chief Master Sgt. Julie Gudgel. “Whether you are serving on the front lines or overcoming challenges while working from home, I want to encourage you to share your story with us so we can recognize your extraordinary efforts.” Learn more about the #RiseUpAETC initiative here, https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2153690/riseupaetc-campaign-highlights-positive-stories-of-aetc-airmen-and-community-me/ #WarhawkWay #LacklandStrong #MondayMotivation #RiseUpAETC