RAF MILDENHALL, England -- “Raise your hand if you have never experienced stress since your husband or wife joined the military.”
The majority of the spouses chuckled at the question as they scanned the room to find that not a single hand was raised during the “Balance Your Thinking” resiliency module on August 19, 2016, during the “Spouses on Belay,” event. The occasion debuted the RAF Mildenhall Spouse Resilience Team—the newest addition to the RAF Mildenhall resilience initiative.
The team was built upon the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness program which is comprised of multiple programs and activities, as well as resiliency skills taught, to enable Airmen to make sound choices. The RAF Mildenhall Spouse Resilience Team was created to give military spouses the same opportunity to embrace holistic fitness and resilience aids.
“There are a lot of resiliency programs already in place for members of the military, but not as many opportunities for spouses to learn the same tools,” said Abby Seastrand, RAF Mildenhall Spouse Resilience Team member.
The lessons imparted during the event were taught by spouses, for spouses with the goal to train them to continually strive to achieve and maintain a well-balanced lifestyle. In addition to the module, the group traveled to Thetford Forest to participate in a high-ropes course and really put their knowledge to the test.
“The program is a modified version of the briefings that our husbands and wives receive,” Seastrand said. “So it’s also a great way to be able to connect with one another and better our communication styles.”
Not only does the group give spouses a chance to meet one another, but it also introduces existing helping agencies that are available if they are ever faced with a difficult situation and need help.
For more information on the RAF Mildenhall Spouse Resilience initiative, contact the RAF Mildenhall Community Support Coordinator commercially at 01638 543081.