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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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"I Am Connected"- 914th Airlift Wing: support when it's needed the most

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Teel
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  What does it mean to be connected? Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines connected as: 1. having the parts or elements logically joined or linked together, 2. having social, professional, or commercial relationships.

The uniqueness of military relationships makes being connected both challenging and rewarding. The nature of a military career has peaks, valleys and plateaus. Often times, these changes can be stressful and may even lead to a feeling of helplessness.

Members of the 914th Airlift Wing, both military and civilian, make every effort to be more like a family than an organization. Personnel are willing to go out of their way to assist others and be there when needed.

"We are all a valued member of the Air Force and 914 AW family. Please take time to listen to your Airmen, understand what they are saying and sincerely care for their needs," said Col. Steven Parker, commander, 914th AW.  "The problem of suicide is real and it takes knowing your people and what resources are out there to get through the hard times."

On Saturday, Feb 7, 2015 the 914 AW hosted Wingman Day.  The goal of this event was to openly examine a difficult topic in the Air Force, suicide prevention.  The wing broke up into small discussion groups to re-enforce this year's theme "I Am Connected."

The day started by watching videos that highlighted the topic of suicide and then migrated into guided discussions conducted by trained facilitators. Many times, these discussions turned to open, heart-felt conversations about events and situations people in the groups have encountered in their own lives. Participants spoke of friends or loved ones who have been in need of help at some time.

"The video series represented a realistic dramatization that most of the audience could identify with," said Maj. Ron Reidel, a trained facilitator for the event and Executive Officer for the 914 AW. "As a result our people were more engaged and provided an open flow of dialogue."

Stories of individuals who have taken their own life were shared among the groups as well. Many people in the groups knew of specific problems that led up to a person taking their own life, some with warning signs and some without.

NFARS Wingman Day 2015 helped shed some light on how to recognize the warning signs and risk factors of suicide and steps to take if someone is in need of help. The ACE (Ask, Care, and Escort) model was introduced as the Air Force's framework for engaging with a wingman. It important to know how and where to get help when dealing with people who may feel there is no way out. 

Although the problems may be specific to each individual, members of the 914 AW share an exceptional support network here and throughout the Air Force.  The wingman concept connects us all to each other. Whether in need of help from a co-worker, supervisor, first sergeant, chief, squadron commander or the wing commander himself, everyone here is connected.

Knowing where to get help is instrumental in getting someone the help they need.

For more information or a comprehensive list of agencies and people dedicated to helping others contact the Airman and Family Readiness office at 716-236-2097. 



Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke, 914 AW Public Affairs contributed to this article