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Shaw's Airmen take a day for resiliency

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Team Shaw participated in a Comprehensive Airman Fitness day here, Sept. 27, and was also provided a military appreciation picnic by the Sumter community.

The CAF day focused on the mental pillar, one part of the four pillars that make up Comprehensive Airman Fitness. The morning events that took place included briefings and a Stay Alive from Education presentation.

The SAFE presentation demonstrated most of the causes and consequences that go along with motor vehicle crashes through the means of video, photo, and verbal description.

The presentation, given by paramedics within the SAFE organization, was mandatory for Airmen under the age of 26, but open for all to attend.

The paramedics that gave the presentation went through different scenarios that can result from car incidents, especially the ones caused from intoxication or lack of situational awareness.

Following the presentation, there were also unit briefings on resiliency, with a focus on the ABCs of handling everyday stressors. The skill set involves determining the "activating event" or cause of a situation, the beliefs that influence your response, and the consequences that result from how you react.

"CAF day is very beneficial to a lot of Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Brian Zarrella, 20th Security Forces Squadron patrolman. "Sometimes people may lose track or need guidance on how to deal with situations in life. Having a day set aside to just help other Airmen gather their thoughts and learn from the experience of others helps them deal with situations with a better outlook."

The military appreciation picnic that followed was sponsored by the Sumter Chamber of Commerce, who provided music and food as a way to say "thank you" to Shaw's military members for their contributions to the community.

Base and community leaders served food to Airmen and Soldiers at the event, while displays were set up by local businesses and agencies.

"The picnic turned out very well," said Brad Beasley, Discount Furniture Outlet owner. "We as community members are thankful for everything the military has done for us and we are grateful to be able to show our appreciation"