Smokeout to 'make everyone proud'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Thomas Trower
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Normally, quitting is not a trait inherant of successful people, however for smokers, November provides an opportunity to use that attribute in a positive light.

The Great American Smokeout is a time when many Americans take the plunge and quit smoking for the day, week, month and sometimes for good.

This year, instead of focusing on how bad tobacco is for the body, health officials are focusing on celebrating the positive outcomes of quitting. Success stories are told every day by ex-tobacco users highlighting their important life changes.

"The biggest difference that I have seen is my kids' pride in me and the energy boost that I have seen since I quit," said former smoker Tech. Sgt. Abbi Cabeen, executive to the 100th Air Refueling Wing command chief. "After months of [Chief Master Sgt. Antonio Hickey, 100th ARW command chief] hounding to me to quit smoking, I set the date."

After two weeks of not smoking, the process got easier, she said. The key to her success was finding a distraction from the urge to light a cigarette. Her distraction was the fitness center.

"I saw how much easier it was to decide on 1 more mile of running," said the sergeant who is eight months smoke free. "After the one month mark, my kids really saw the difference around the house. I had more energy and enthusiasm after we got home from school and work. I was paying more attention to the little things and couldn't wait to sit with [the kids] to do their homework. When they asked why I didn't quit smoking before, I began to cry. I have more energy to do things with my family and I have a ton more free time now than I did before. Instead of looking for my next cigarette, I look forward to a nice workout in the gym or a good spelling bee with my fourth-grader."

The U.S. Department of Defense is sponsoring a smoking cessation campaign dubbed "Quit Tobacco -- Make Everyone Proud," and hosts a plethora of information on its Web site www.uCanQuit2.org.

User Matt25 posted his Tobacco Tale within the Web site's Break the Cycle section.

"I have been smoke free for one year," said the Airman from Minot, N.D. "I always thought smoking in uniform was a bad impression of the U.S. military, however, I did it anyway. [I] didn't care about what other people thought. Then, I was driving home from work, and I decided to quit. Just like that I threw out my last cigarette and have not touched one for a year. Since I quit, I could not be happier. It was very difficult the first few days with just the overall cravings. After that, I started running again and working out. My time has dropped by [more than four] minutes and I can breathe, smell and taste a lot better. It is all worth it in the end. There is one thing you will require to be successful: willpower. Tell yourself you can do it and don't let friends or coworkers bring you down or tempt you."

There are many former and soon-to-be former smokers who mirror the benefits of better fitness performance as a result of quitting smoking.

"What is the point of being fit for service if my lungs are dying on the inside?" said Web site user floridagators, Pensacola, Fla. "That's what I keep asking myself. I get the inspiration [to quit] and then I maintain that for a while, but then something triggers me [to] start up again. My head knows I need to stop, but some other part of me is so addicted. I can't wrap my brain around why I keep slipping. With the help of [stop-smoking aids] and group counseling sessions I know I'll do it."

A flame does not need to be ignited for tobacco to make its addictive effects. Smokeless tobacco also poses significant health risks.

"A few weeks ago I was driving my truck and went to put in a chew and found my can was empty," said user Enrique of San Diego, Calif. "I'd used my 'emergency' can the previous week, no stores were open and I was getting really frustrated. When I came home empty-handed and upset, my girlfriend told me I was acting like a drug addict. At that moment, I decided I was done with chew. I didn't need anything in my life that was going to make me act like that again. It hasn't been easy and I've been pretty cranky but I know that this, too, shall pass."

Airmen interested in kicking the habit may contact the RAF Mildenhall Health and Wellness Center about tobacco cessation courses at DSN 238-7161.

Editor's note: Sarah Easter, RAF Lakenheath Health and Wellness Center office manager, contributed to this article.