New 'Resiliency Passport' encourages class participation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha Saulsbury
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
Buckley Air Force Base is distributing 'Resiliency Passports' to members of Team Buckley to encourage involvement and participation in base services and programs.

Airmen can earn points by attending the classes listed in the passport. Various point values are given for each class, and passports will be stamped by the instructor after completion. The more classes attended, the more points earned. Prizes include iPods, X-Box Ones, iPads and even a mountain bike depending on points accumulated.

With a goal to increase Air Force resiliency and life skills, the Resiliency Passport encourages Airmen to attend classes they might not have previously attended.

"A lot of times there's a perception of 'If I am going to a financial class, then I'm having financial problems,'" said Christina Grooms, 460th Space Wing community support coordinator. "It dispels the myth of being in trouble. With this program, everyone is welcome."

The passport will be distributed to all units, listing classes available through the base, such as cooking demos and educational briefings. Each class will cover one of the four areas of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness: mental, physical, spiritual and emotional.

"We are looking at making sure that we're focusing on the total person concept," Grooms said. "A lot of times, folks tend be more comfortable in one or two domains. They may be a social person and may be into physical fitness, but they may forget about the spiritual side and mental health, as well.

"The overall impact is going to be a positive one," Grooms said. "This is a new initiative that we've never done before. It's going to help broaden the scope for folks to know about the available programs and services on base, particularly the (Airmen) that are new on the installation."

The passport will help spread the word of all classes available through the base, allowing Airmen who attend to fill up their toolbox with skills to deal with life's daily stressors.

"The passport is a program I can track my progress in," said Barbara Atwell, 460th Space Wing protocol chief, who has been assisting in the passport implemation. "It allows people to understand all the available programs and workshops available on base."

The program will begin at the 460th Space Wing level, and it should be available to all units across the base in the future.

"Since it is brand new, we want to see how well it's received," Grooms said. "Once we work out any kinks we have, we'll be able to expand it to everyone else."

The passport will be unveiled Wingman Day, Nov. 7, and distributed to all 460th SW units. Those who do not receive a passport during Wingman Day can get one from the community support coordinator.