78th OMRS OST enhances readiness through holistic prevention

Published Sept. 17, 2025
By Lauren Boggs
78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --

two members of the 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Operational Support team pose in front of gym equipment — Micheal Stryffeler, 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Operational Support Team strength and conditioning coach, and Maj. Sara Silva James, 78th OMRS OST physical therapist pose in front of gym equipment at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, July 16, 2025. The 78th OMRS OST was previously embedded with the 5th Combat Communications Support Group and 51st Combat Communications Squadron and was able to reduce profiles within the two units. (courtesy photo)

High rates of injuries and mental health concerns can sideline Airmen, impacting mission readiness. At Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, the 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Operational Support Team is working to combat this by providing a preventative and holistic approach to Airmen's health. The team is currently embedded with the 78th Security Forces Squadron, providing support and resources directly to the Airmen at their unit.

The team, staffed with a physical therapist, strength and conditioning coach, and social worker, focuses on improving both the physical and mental readiness of Team Robins Airmen through personalized physical therapy plans, strength training programs and confidential counseling services designed to build resilience.

“Our goal is to enable Airmen to do their job better and give them an easier point of entry to getting care,” said Michael Stryffeler, 78th OMRS OST strength and conditioning coach. “We’re tied to operational readiness. That’s our ultimate goal.”

The team identifies units for potential embedments using a risk assessment based off each unit’s number of musculoskeletal and mental health profiles that keep Airmen from performing certain activities and may limit their ability to be deployed.

an airman lays on a physical therapy table while another airman assists him with stretching his shoulder — Maj. Sara Silva James, 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Operational Support Team physical therapist, helps an Airman stretch his shoulder during a physical therapy session at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, July 16, 2025. The 78th OMRS OST was established to be a base-wide resource for fitness performance improvements and to provide guidance on injury mitigation. (courtesy photo)

When the 78th OMRS OST was established in 2022, Maj. Sara Silva James, physical therapist, was the sole member of the unit and supported the 5th Combat Communications Support Squadron and 51st Combat Communications Squadron once a week.

As the sole team member, Silva James was able to decrease both musculoskeletal and mental health profiles within the 5th CBCSS and the 51st CBCS.

Now, the team is made up of Silva James, Stryffeler, and Capt. Dawn Hardwick, incoming 78th OMRS OST social worker. Maj. Lindi Kirkland, physical therapist, is set to replace Silva James by the end of the year. All of the providers are working in tandem to deliver a physical and mental approach to operational readiness.

an airman grips a pinch gauge while a coach reads the results — Micheal Stryffeler, 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Operational Support Team strength and conditioning coach, records the grip strength of a 78th Security Forces Squadron Airman at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 12, 2025. The 78th OST embedded with the 78th SFS to improve operational readiness of the Airmen by reducing profiles and preventing injuries. (courtesy photo)

“While I’m rehabbing their current injuries and helping them manage what they have going on, Mike is helping to improve their fitness levels and strength so that they’re able to manage and tolerate more stress on their bodies without getting that pain response," said Silva James. “Meanwhile, Capt. Hardwick will be a huge asset to the team regarding mental resiliency. We know that physical and mental health are both connected. You can’t touch one without touching the other.”

While currently it's embedded with the 78th SFS, the 78th OMRS OST remains committed to serving as a base-wide asset for Robins AFB. They offer monthly classes open to all Team Robins members, active duty or civilian, at the base gym facility from 7-7:30 am.

Looking ahead to early 2026, the 78th OMRS OST is slated to merge with True North, an Air Force resilience program that optimizes human performance, enhances Force and family well-being, and destigmatizes help-seeking behaviors. This new organization, True North+, will consolidate resources, enabling them to execute their mission more efficiently and effectively.