CC Message - Resiliency and Respect

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Litchfield
  • Air Force Sustainment Center Commander
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla --  It is clear by news accounts, that our society is dealing with some serious issues - sexual assault and suicide are among the most personal and prevalent. The Department of Defense and our Air Force is no different -- more than ever, today's Airmen (active, guard, reserve and civilian members) are a reflection of our society. While we reflect the demographics of our nation, we are different in gravity of our mission. Airmen are charged with our nation's defense, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard, embrace the values of respect and resiliency, and set the example for all to follow.

If you haven't already, many of you will participate in a Down Day to learn more about sexual assault prevention and resiliency in life.

I ask that you listen to what our SARCs and your trained facilitators have to offer. This isn't just an issue that plagues the military, it's occurring in our college campuses and communities across the nation. I think our Commander in Chief said it best, "It's about all of us - our moms, our wives, our sisters, our daughters, our sons. Sexual assault is an affront to our basic decency and humanity. And for survivors, the awful pain can take years, even decades to heal. Sometimes it lasts a lifetime. And wherever it occurs - whether it's in our neighborhoods or on our college campuses, our military bases or our tribal lands - it has to matter to all of us."

If you have children, grandchildren, family or friends, I ask you to take what you've learned and talk to them about this very important issue.

We are equally concerned about doing everything possible to prevent suicides. We must actively promote a constructive climate that fosters cohesion, resiliency and a support structure that encourages individuals to reach out for help when needed. Seeking help is a sign of strength - not weakness. Our resiliency focus is designed to help our workforce better deal with the crises that life presents to all of us. No Airman should ever feel alone.

We are all Wingmen and each of us plays a vital part in promoting respect and resiliency.

 - Bruce

CC Message - Resiliency and Respect

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Litchfield
  • Air Force Sustainment Center Commander
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla --  It is clear by news accounts, that our society is dealing with some serious issues - sexual assault and suicide are among the most personal and prevalent. The Department of Defense and our Air Force is no different -- more than ever, today's Airmen (active, guard, reserve and civilian members) are a reflection of our society. While we reflect the demographics of our nation, we are different in gravity of our mission. Airmen are charged with our nation's defense, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard, embrace the values of respect and resiliency, and set the example for all to follow.

If you haven't already, many of you will participate in a Down Day to learn more about sexual assault prevention and resiliency in life.

I ask that you listen to what our SARCs and your trained facilitators have to offer. This isn't just an issue that plagues the military, it's occurring in our college campuses and communities across the nation. I think our Commander in Chief said it best, "It's about all of us - our moms, our wives, our sisters, our daughters, our sons. Sexual assault is an affront to our basic decency and humanity. And for survivors, the awful pain can take years, even decades to heal. Sometimes it lasts a lifetime. And wherever it occurs - whether it's in our neighborhoods or on our college campuses, our military bases or our tribal lands - it has to matter to all of us."

If you have children, grandchildren, family or friends, I ask you to take what you've learned and talk to them about this very important issue.

We are equally concerned about doing everything possible to prevent suicides. We must actively promote a constructive climate that fosters cohesion, resiliency and a support structure that encourages individuals to reach out for help when needed. Seeking help is a sign of strength - not weakness. Our resiliency focus is designed to help our workforce better deal with the crises that life presents to all of us. No Airman should ever feel alone.

We are all Wingmen and each of us plays a vital part in promoting respect and resiliency.

 - Bruce