Airmen learn to 'bounce back' at resilency training Published July 23, 2013 By Donovan Jackson Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - -- It's sometimes hard to be tough, but base leaders are offering help. The 42nd Air Base Wing has initiated Resilience Development Training courses, as part of an Air Force wide resiliency initiative. The courses, taught by Master Resilience Trainers Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Hellwig and Latonya Lewis, ran from July 9-11. They are used to train individuals to become Resilience Training Assistants. Resiliency training is based on the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Resilience development model. The instruction helps Airmen to develop resiliency, the ability to bounce back from challenges that come from deployment, work, family, and life in general. Airmen like Tech. Sgt Naomi Bullock of the 42nd Medical Group said that the courses will help them become better Airmen. "I really enjoyed the lessons on how to bounce back from an event and how to strategically, evaluate a situation before making a decision. I plan to share the information that I have learned with my squadron," Bullock said. Resilience Training Assistants attend a three-day course. For the first two days, they study subjects such as "Accomplishing Goals," "Checking Your Playbook," "Mindfulness and Meaning-making," "Spiritual Resilience" and "Physical Resilience." On the last day, RTAs are required to teach one skill to their peers, and be evaluated by their Master Resiliency Trainer, in order to become certified RTAs. "Resiliency is extremely important, and I believe that these courses will help in continuing to help our Airmen remain resilient," said Latonya Lewis, 42nd ABW community support coordinator and master resilience trainer. Lewis said that she believes that every Airman is the owner of a resiliency bank account where resiliency-training skills are the currency. "All of the initiatives learned towards resiliency in these courses can be deposited into their account. When they go back and teach the lessons that they have learned to their units, they are sharing their wealth by depositing resiliency training and knowledge into other people's bank accounts." Tech. Sgt. Latanceia Godfrey of the 42nd MDG said that she believes resiliency lessons will help all Airmen to relieve stress, function better at work, and make family and military life a lot easier. The next set of RTA courses will begin Aug. 28. Those interested in participating please contact Latonya Lewis at 953-9822.