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390 COS Embraces CSAF Spectrum of Resilience

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mark Zimmerman
  • 390th Cyber Operations Squadron
Resiliency, wingmanship, and suicide prevention are terms familiar to every Airman. Each of these words have something in common, taking care of Airmen in need.
The 390th Cyberspace Operations Squadron understands the importance of caring for its members and after six months of continuous employed-in-place operations, Maj. Angela Mornese, 390 COS Operating Location-Alpha commander, identified a need to re-group.  

The sensitive nature of their mission requires a unique separation of personal and professional lives.  Not being able to share their successes or frustrations with their loved ones can encourage behaviors such as compartmentalization, unwillingness to open up, fear of being ostracized, and burnout.  If left unchecked, negative stressors can leave Airmen feeling vulnerable and excluded.

The 390 COS stood down operations Sept. 13, to dedicate time for a Wingman Day focused on helping Airmen get the knowledge, relationships, and resources they need to be successful in both their personal and professional lives.  Author, speaker, and personal development coach Rick Alexander, led a workshop titled ‘Human Quest to Find Meaning.’ Additionally, the 390 COS held violence prevention training; facilitated expert-led discussion sessions to form deeper connections across the unit. The workshop concluded with three team-building events focused on service to the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland community. 

The first team-building service event met a need identified  by the Under Secretary of the Air Force, Gina Ortiz Jones, when she launched the Integrated Response Co-Location Pilot program at JBSA-Lackland.  This single location provides a consolidated stop for Airmen in crisis to go for support and resources. The 390 COS initiated an overhaul of the Integrated Response Center entry way by cleaning, painting, and refreshing the location’s aesthetics to foster a more welcoming environment for those in need.

 For the second service project the 390 COS partnered with Dr. Aaron Moffett, 37th Training Wing True North Program manager, and the 502nd Air Base Wing’s “We Care” initiative.

The 390 COS held motivational signs and greeted members across the installation to lift up the spirits of the base community. The last two years have seen a 15 percent increase in reported distress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns by veterans and serving military members. The signs were designed to put a smile and a positive thought into each passerby’s mind and remind them of the greater family they are a part of here at JBSA-Lackland. Reminding those on base that they are being thought of can help reverse that alarming trend.

The 390th was activated as a Cyberspace Operations Squadron on July 1, 2015 and boasts more than 200 military, civilian, and contractor members.  Their contributions on Sept. 13 encouraged a supportive atmosphere within the Lackland community and the greater Department of the Air Force.