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Fairchild takes time to focus on social and mental pillars

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Team Fairchild held multiple events for Wingman Day that aimed to discuss and improve social and mental aspects of the work environment conducive to a supportive internal network. These events included a "Happy Hour" briefing in the base theater and a "Managing the Millennials" class at the Equal Opportunity classroom on Friday, Sept. 27.

The "Happy Hour" briefing was given by comedian Bernie McGrenahan. McGrenahan performed a 30 minute stand-up comedy show to "break the ice." He followed up with a personal testimony to inspire military and civilian personnel on making smart decisions when it comes to excessive drinking, driving under the influence reduction and suicide prevention.

"I have been informed by individuals at other bases that Bernie was exceptionally received during his interactive comedic presentation," said Jessica Bradshaw, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "In fact, those bases brought him back the following year because the military members truly enjoyed his performance."

McGrenahan began his comedy career in 1988, appearing on many late-night television comedy specials and even opened for concerts in Las Vegas. His "Happy Hour" Comedy "With a Message" Tour targets several areas of concern for a portion of our Armed Forces.

A "Managing the Millennials" class targeted at individuals age 35 and older offered to help bridge the gap between how the different generations think and behave and to help managers, young and old, adapt to the new generation of workers.

"The class focused on generational differences and how world events affect and mold each generation," said Dawn Altmaier, community support coordinator. "This class teaches us to celebrate diversity and reduce stress by teaching acceptance. It provides a set of tools that allows us to work with each other rather than against each other, despite age differences. The skills learned go up and down the generational ladder, so it's beneficial for all managers."

Each unit also participated in their own Wingman Day events with the goal of becoming more resilient teams and Airmen.