Mental Health Symposium strengthens leaders, builds a fit-to-fight force Published March 25, 2026 By Airman 1st Class Emma Wright 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Base leadership gathered with mental health experts for a Mental Health Symposium at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, March 17. Hosted by the Mental Health Clinic at Altus, the event brought together 97th Air Mobility Wing squadron commanders, group commanders, senior enlisted leaders, first sergeants, and Victim Advocates from the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention team to discuss how programs under the mental health clinic can guide leaders to support their Airmen in pursuit of mission readiness. U.S. Air Force Capt. Amy Milho, Altus Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, clinical psychologist, speaks at a Mental Health Symposium at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, March 17, 2026. The symposium featured briefings in three key areas: mental health services, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, and the Family Advocacy Program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “The focus of the symposium was to align the purpose of the mental health clinic and all of the programs under it with not only the mission of the Wing, but also the Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Amy Milho, Altus Operational Medical Readiness Squadron clinical psychologist. “We discussed education components of how each of our mental health programs are utilized and how we can provide appropriate recommendations to commanders.” Throughout the event, presenters used real-world scenarios to guide discussion about issues commanders commonly face, such as navigating reporting requirements and determining how best to support Airmen based on their individual circumstances. The symposium also helped clarify common misconceptions about mental health concerns in the military. “Creating opportunities for cross-talk between commanders was vital to the symposium,” Milho said. “Every command team handles situations differently and sometimes hearing how another commander approached a difficult case can help someone else who may be facing a similar challenge.” The symposium featured briefings in three key areas: mental health services, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program and the Family Advocacy Program. Each program was important to address, not only to keep base leadership informed of any Air Force Instruction (AFI) updates, but also to equip commanders with tools to manage challenges such as substance misuse, family issues and emotional stress among service members. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jacob Siluano, 97th Force Support Squadron and 97th Contracting Flight first sergeant, listens to a mental health services briefing during a Mental Health Symposium at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, March 17, 2026. The symposium aimed to go beyond formal presentations by fostering meaningful discussions and strengthening collaboration between base leadership and the helping agencies that support Airmen across the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “I really appreciated learning more about mental health resources both on and off base, as well as the discussion on different strategies to build resilience,” said Master Sgt. Jacob Siluano, 97th Force Support Squadron and 97th Contracting Flight first sergeant. “There is tremendous value in sharing perspectives and hearing how different command teams approach their units, each with their own unique circumstances.” Another symposium is scheduled for September to continue giving base leadership practical tools and insights to better support Airmen, address challenges, and ensure Altus Airmen remain fit to fight.