692d Podcast

Importance of mentor/mentee relationship, blooming wherever you are planted, and IMPORTANCE of lasting impressions.DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC IN THIS EPISODE.CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple PodcastsWATCH on YouTubeShow Notes:[00:00:48] - Impression of TSgt Mascorro[00:01:28] - First impressions versus lasting impressions[00:02:00] -SSgt Mascorro and MSgt Foster’s first impressions[00:09:00] - SSgt Huntsman’s practices to keep airmen engaged and energized[00:11:00] - Best lesson SSgt Huntsman learned while working in ADF[00:12:50] - Strategies in taking care of their airmen and getting to know them better[00:16:50] - Favorite memories [00:18:00] - Importance of Team Culture[00:20:10] - Unique challenges Airmen face in ADF[00:21:10} - Mentor-Mentee relationship[00:30:00] - TSgt Mascorro’s favorite story of SSgt Huntsman[00:32:40] - Finding a leading voice and willingness to follow[00:34:05] - Advice to leaders and expectations[00:35:40] - Negative examples of leadership[00:36:30] - If TSgt Mascorro’s life was made into a movie[00:37:10] - If SSgt Huntsman’s life was made into a book[00:38:10] - Movie / movie images that depict leadership[00:39:00] - Advice to young people who have to lead older people[00:41:20] - Billboard messages

Thoughts on current social environment

Conversation about RACE in America and the Air Force.CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple Podcasts:

This episode was recorded back in April 2018 on another podcast I host. I want to further share the message from the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple Podcasts: ****DISCLAIMER**** The views and comments made by host and guest do not represent the views nor are they in association with the United States military.****Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force-Attitude Reflects LeadershipChief Master Sergeant of the US Air Force (CMSAF), Kaleth Wright, is the 18th and current CMSAF. Though Chief Wright’s judgment in football teams may be unfortunate, the loyalty he shows to the Dallas Cowboys echoes his commitment to the Airmen under his command and his desire to see them thrive.Chief Wright would be the first to tell you that behind his successful career, stand a series of failures that propelled him to persevere, develop the compassion, and sincerity that allow him to represent the highest enlisted level of leadership in the US Air Force today.CMSAF Wright has not forgotten where he came from. As a result, CMSAF Wright has applied the mentorship he received along the way by utilizing emotional intelligence and wisdom to lead. He aims to develop relationships with the Airmen under his authority by taking an interest in their lives. This ACTION STYLE of leadership is only possible when a leader is willing to have a positive influence and talk with those under their guidance.Chief Wright naturally sees the good in people and has repeatedly seen the mutual benefit in investing in them to help them achieve their goals. The leader sets the tone for his people, and as the classic movie “Remember the Titans” so wisely put it: Attitude reflects leadership.Chief Wright is a lifelong learner and is committed to deliberate personal development in a number of ways. Examples include reading a couple of books a week and listening to podcasts during his work commute. His current top three book recommendations are: (1) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, (2) “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway, and (3) “As A Man Thinketh” by James Allen.Show Notes:Thoughts on “Enlisted Jesus” Moniker (03:30)Using social media as vehicle for transparency (04:30)Advice to leaders wanting to leverage social media to connectHow to build an effective relationship with someone who wants to be isolated (05:40)What leaders can do to stay in touch with ground truth (07:15)Positive attitude and influenceBest conversations leaders can have to unleash the potential in their people (10:50)Person that inspired Chief Wright and ignited his charge (15:20)Unusual successful habits Chief Wright hasBook recommendations (17:40)Personal philosophy and Failing forward (20:30)How past failure helped him in the future (21:44)Why he believes in others (23:20)If Chief Wright had a billboard, the message he would want on it (24:24)BIO: CMSAF Wright Link:http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/1087249/chief-master-sergeant-of-the-air-force-kaleth-o-wright/Quotes:Get out and spend time with Airmen…be sincereNever forget where you came fromAttitude reflects leadershipMore about guest:Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, provides direction for the e

CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple Podcasts: Show Notes:Perspective and Voice of Airmen (having a voice in the AF) Small thing from flight leadership that stood out to her and how to step upMaking junior ranking feel like more than just Airmen and part of the mission Telling the truth with feedbackWhat she would do if in charge for one-year?How airmen are living is crucial to both personal and mission lifeBig AF idea about leaveHer message to members of all ranksThe meaning of the word mentorshipGiant backpacks and small purses make you prepared for anythingWorld Class talent SPOILER: 20+ years of breathingImportance of asking people the highlight of their dayHer advice to leaders and what she wants out of people Billboard message

This current period will go down in history. There is not a blueprint on how to leading during this time. The 692d ISRG Superintendent shares his thoughts on COVID-19 and what people can do to lead in these uncharted waters.CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple Podcasts: Show Notes:[00:00:00] - Superintendent’s thought regarding current COVID-19 situation [00:02:55] - How front-line supervisors can lead through this situation [00:10:00] - Specific questions to come out and ask your airmen[00:14:44] - 324th IS Tiger Kings[00:17:40] - What is something people can celebrate right now?[00:24:40] - Things to know about the 692d ART[00:30:00] - How leaders can gain their energy back [00:33:35] - Varying streams of information that is coming from various sources[00:38:20] – Ideas for coming together and connecting[00:40:00] - Chief Triche's adhoc and NEON SIGN message[00:41:40] – Chaplain Edison’s VOICE[00:43:09] - Book or movie title about the 692d during this time[00:46:10] – RUMINT regarding Chief Murphy and SMSgt RomanQUOTES: It is going to be incumbent upon our supervisors to stay connected and stay engaged.” [00:07:59] “As family units go, I think it’s really going to help solidify the importance of family-ness when it comes to keeping one another sane regarding the type of mission that a lot of air airmen are responsible for. [00:23:15]“It’s time like these that we really get to see the power and potential that this resource has and what a benefit we have in our own backyard.” [00:29:13] “When in doubt, call your first shirt had they will set you straight.” [00:43:10] Resources and books mentioned:Book: Legacy692d ISRG Airmen Resilience Team (ART): https://www.facebook.com/groups/929698420478351/

Episode is raw and uncut. The intent was to get the information out immediately for our people to hear.

TSgt Jonathan Freeman from the 324th discusses training.CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple Podcasts:

Leading requires various skills and characteristics.The 480th ISRW Command Chief, CMSgt Trey Walker" joins the show to share his personal philosophy about the subject of leadership. CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple Podcasts: Show Notes:[00:01:38] - What is weighing on Chief Walker's mind?[00:03:47] - The importance for leaders today to leverage social media in various platforms and connect with people[00:06:35] - Question submitted by a member of the 324th [00:09:20] - Tips for handling pressure when expectations continue to rise[00:11:35] - Emotional strength and emotional intelligence in 2020[00:13:11] - Skills and experiences that every leader should have?[00:14:28] - Tiered mentorship[00:17:00] - Movie image that depicts leadership and who or what comes to mind[00:18:02] - What Chief Walker is world class at that people might not know?[00:19:26] - Go-To karaoke song? [00:20:51] - 2-3 books he recommends to people[00:24:50] - If a movie is being made about your life would would the name of that movie be? QUOTES: "The only thing our airmen can control is how they come to work everyday.” [00:02:26]“If you develop great human beings they will be great airmen.” [00:09:50]“Most people just want to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of the generation that they came from and if you can manage to do that you can move and lead people.” [00:12:41] Resources and books mentioned:Sticking PointsGetting to UsThe Mental Game of BaseballThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Many topics are covered in this episode. We discuss pro wrestling, celebrity impressions, books to read, the subject of leadership, the usage of the word toxic, and punching people in the chest.CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple Podcasts:

We are kicking off the new year with some major wins and important insights. This episode's guest, Lt. Col. Stephanie Murphy, shares her thoughts on the progress and highlights of her first six months as the 392d Commander. In addition, she dives into her background, shares tidbits from her life before joining the military, and shares thoughts on how we as airmen can better support and take care of each other.CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple Podcasts: Show Notes:How Lt. Col. Stephanie Murphy’s life as a civilian prepared her for the Air ForceWhy the most recent RTP is so importantThe most challenging and special aspects of the 392dHow you can get your ideas out there or become a mentor for the Innovation platform (Hawk Tank)Lt Col Murphy's hopes for Airmen and leadership at all levelsQUOTES:The biggest thing that I could say it, you make your own path

The holiday season is in full swing. It’s a time of year to reflect, connect and an even better time to start looking ahead as we enter year 2020 with purpose. In this episode, we share a conversation on leadership with Colonel Eric Mack and Chief Master Sergeant Warren Triche. Our discussion starts off with reflections on the past six months and thoughts going into 2020. We touch on the challenges of working with such a diverse group and find out just what it is that sets the airmen of the 692d apart from the rest.CONNECT on Facebook and SUBSCRIBE ON Apple Podcasts: Show Notes:How the 692d Airmen are inspiring leadershipWhat group leadership is pushing forHow the caliber of airmen has shifted with timeWhy 692 airmen are confident in briefing O-6sACTOR/CELEB Samuel L. Jackson pops inHow our airmen are making an impactQUOTES: “Leave the playground better than you found it” -Col. Mack!!! Various Samuel L. Jackson quotes!!!-Chief TricheResources and books mentioned:Team of TeamsThe Starfish and the SpiderDare to LeadWho Moved My CheeseLegacyThe Infinite GameThe Coffee Bean

This is Episode Two of Season Two of the 692d Podcast. Join us as we continue to talk all things leadership and personal development, while getting a glimpse into the lives of the people moving our missions forward. This week we sat down with Brenden Kumarasamy of MasterTalk to discuss specific tips and techniques to better your communication skills, either in front of an auditorium, speaking to a group of people through WebEx, or simply having a one-on-one conversation that broaches difficult topics.

This is Episode One of Season Two of the 692d Podcast. We are moving into a new era with the departure of our previous host and mentor, SMSgt Martin Foster. We will continue to build upon his foundation and ensure that we pass the torch into Season Two with a new host, MSgt Derek Addison. Join us as we continue to talk all things leadership and personal development, while getting a glimpse into the lives of the people moving our missions forward.

This is Episode Five of Season Two of the 692d Podcast. Join us as we say goodbye to CMSgt Warren Triche as he transitions from the United States Air Force after 25 years of dedicated service. He discusses key moments in his career and the hopes for the future of our force.

This is Episode Four of Season Two of the 692d Podcast. Join us as we continue to talk all things leadership and personal development, while getting a glimpse into the lives of the people moving our missions forward. This week we sat down with SSgt(S) Tom Schaum of the 8 Intelligence Squadron to discuss life, liberty, and his contributions to our mission by providing a little insight into his slice of awesomeness. Our Airmen are amazing and we don't have enough ways to give them the recognition that they deserve, so this category is for the supervisors that want to put their Airmen in the spotlight to highlight those deeds and accomplishments. It can also be for the Airmen who want to highlight their supervisors, giving some insight into why the love coming to work each day and what makes their leadership team the best in the Squadron, the Group, Wing, or even Air Force (if you are so bold).

This is Episode Three of Season Two of the 692d Podcast. Join us as we continue to talk all things leadership and personal development, while getting a glimpse into the lives of the people moving our missions forward. This week we sat down with Fiona, the Millennial Money Woman to discuss specific tips and methodologies to attain financial independence, especially if you are just starting in your career.

Hawk-1 wanted to sit down with CMSgt Triche, CMSgt More and Amn Trommlitz from the 392d to discuss upcoming holidays, especially Thanksgiving. There are plenty of notable moments, but I'll let you listen to find those gems. Enjoy the ad "Hawk" pop-up episode and stay tuned for more!

Today is the last episode of the month. This has been a hard journey for me, both mentally and emotionally. My wife dealt with multiple nights of me crying at the laptop while I listened to LoFi music and typed out the scripts for the past 31 episodes. This was a form of therapy for me, but not really the kind I would recommend. Talking things out and getting your thoughts and feelings out are a great way to work through some things, but make sure you have a supportive network around you to give you a nice warm hug and rub your back a little bit. My youngest gives some pretty good snuggles and I took advantage of that on numerous occasions. Regardless of your current mental or emotional state, we all need support from time to time. Please use the resources available to you and reach out if you or someone you know needs them. Don't wait until you need them to start the Google box... put the numbers in your phone or download some apps. If you ever need assistance in getting to a helping organization, reach out to the Art Resiliency Team 24/7. If you are unsure of what helping agency will best fit your needs, let me know; I'll walk you around to all of them until we find the best fit for you. Remember to take care of yourselves, and if you can, take care of someone else too.Derek

Mental health and physical health are closely linked. One way to ensure that physical health is maintained, diet. This episode gives some specific tips in thinking about how you eat and what to think about while you eat. Mindful eating is something I practiced when I stayed at Buddhist Temples in Korea. Sitting in silence, eating 5 grain rice, feeling each grain between my teeth and how my saliva started to break down the carbohydrates before I even got to swallow. It sounds boring, right? It was at first, but allowing time for your body to fully respond to nutrients that are being provided can definitely be a spiritual event. I have only done mindful eating for weight loss once, when the Air Force enforced a waist measurement. I was definitely more round than I am today and in order to pass the waist tape, I needed to lose about 8 inches off the midsection. I used this to ensure I knew when I was hungry or when I was bored and it helped me from shoveling Zebra Cakes down my throat while I watched Stargate SG-1.

Today's episode discusses a Korean Linguist that succumbed to suicide in 2012. If listening to the story is going to cause you additional stress, please skip today's episode. These are not easy discussions and believe me, they are not easy to record, but they are truly necessary. They show us that too many of our brothers and sisters, actively serving or previously awarded the DD 214, are making permanent decisions to temporary problems. We need to come together to ensure that connections and bonds are forged and strengthened so that isolating thoughts or beliefs that the world is a better place without one of our own are removed from each of our Airmen and Guardians.

I can never overstate my thoughts and feelings on reaching out to those who can and will help. It is literally the reason why I am still on this Earth today. This time of the year is difficult for me as I attempted suicide in September. I lost my uncle and a fellow Korean Linguist, Cari Loggins in October. My brother-in-law and a fellow Korean Linguist, Chris Hethcoat were lost in the month of November. I find myself listening to Imagine Dragons - Wrecked, even though he is singing about his sister-in-law that succumbed to cancer, the words still hit pretty hard. Let's not be vulnerable with each other, but brave enough to discuss our sorrows. I am not alone in our Group when it comes to suicide and, although I wish it would, suicides are not going to stop in the world. Let people in and know who you are, the beautiful and the ugly. You are not alone in this world when it comes to your torment or trauma. Reach out and join the community that is here for you.

This episode is another message about connection and boosting them. Just like the dinner via the interwebs from September 17th, you can have a great conversation and enjoy some time with friends or family that are not local. Text a friend you haven't talk to in a while and catch up with an activity you can both do, remotely. Life is better with other people, trust me.

How would you feel if you walked by someone that was literally giving themselves a pat on the back? Would you judge them? You might question if their leadership is so absent that they have to seek appreciation or acknowledgment from themselves. Perhaps they accomplished a personal goal that they have been working on for a few weeks and the efforts just came to fruition and it's a personal victory. I will say, sometimes we need a pep talk; from both external and internal sources. Let's normalize positive self-talk and personal congratulatory expressions. Maybe the yoga you started practicing from Day 11 can help with flexibility if you had trouble before reaching your back. Someone is going to need to provide some assistance to MSgt Cyr in the DO Section of Group Staff. I am not sure the amount of muscle on his shoulders or arms would allow him to physically pat himself. He's got a team of Wingmen, just like each of you. 

I am not sure how many people I have talked with about planning the night before, but it's more than one. There are so many techniques for planning and execution that I could devote an entire season of podcasts to them. Take 10 minutes tonight to reflect on the week you just had and write down the things that you need or want to accomplish next week. Get it out of your head so your weekend is free of worry and you can truly rest; you deserve it.

Today I want to talk about our Chaplain's and their ability to assist you in your mental health and resiliency. With the 100% confidentiality they allow and are legally bound to, nothing you say to either Chaplain Edison or (T)Sgt Orlando is allowed to be discussed unless you expressly provide written approval. You don't have to be religious or spiritual in any way shape or form, if you need someone to talk to, they are available to you 24/7. They are an amazing resource to provide guidance, a sounding board, a source of validation, and an unbiased ear to listen to your concerns, issues, or dilemmas. Asking for help may seem like a bridge too far, so instead, just sit down and talk to our Religious Support Team about Fantasy Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Wrestling, or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. If the conversation leads to troubles in your marriage or feelings of isolation, that's perfectly fine.

If you have read "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell, he discusses Dunbar's Number and that the size of an effective social network is limited to 150 members. Social scientists theorize that 150 is the limit of the human ability to remember and respond to all the members in a group. All I am asking is for you to reach out one. One person that has made an impact on you for the better. We all have at least one person who drove us to be better than we thought we could be. If that person is still alive, text them, call them, write them a letter, or just post a message on social media describing the impact that this person has had on you. Letting them know that they matter to you will not only improve their day, but it'll do some pretty cool things for yours as well.

I personally use belly breathing when I go into the ART and any medical procedures for two reasons. First, I have "White Coat Syndrome" and my blood pressure spikes when I go into any medical facility and I don't want the Doc to think I'm about to have a stroke due to my blood pressure skyrocketing. I know Maj Olmstead, MSgt Navarrette, or TSgt Johannesson can't tell you that this happens with me specifically, but I give them permission to confirm what I said. It gets rough sometimes and I try not to take more of their time. The second reason why I practice belly breathing is before I need to talk about something difficult. I've done a lot of belly breathing this month prior to recording and during the writing of the episodes as these are not easy topics for me either. There have been hours of audio deleted because I stop breathing from holding back the feelings and pain that some of these episodes have brought up. A few deep belly breaths and I'm ready to go a few more minutes, depending on the topic. Give it a few tries when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed and focus on your pulse, you'll be able to feel it better and you should see a drastic drop in beats per minute.

This episode is about ensuring your personal safety when times get tough. A reoccurring theme throughout this month and something I hope you remember well after, suicide is preventable. I discuss multiple steps you can take to ensure your own safety but remember that reaching out and seeking help, although extremely difficult, is the best way to protect yourself and those you love. If you need help, raise your hand and we'll come to you.

You have 168 hours in a week, make sure you use at least some of that time to talk with friends, family, or colleagues about the importance of mental health and self-care. Recognize that sometimes, our best may not reach the same heights as other days, and that's perfectly okay. You are not a machine and no one expects you to be one. All I ask is that you take the time necessary to ensure that your mental health and self-care are prioritized as high as your work tasks. Service before self does NOT mean service instead of self.

We all have a mandate to stay physically fit but that is not only so we look good in our service dress. Physical exertion has so many health benefits for the mind and the spirit. We all want to have the peace of mind of being able to pass a PT test at any time, so a consistent exercise program will not only provide the reassurance needed for passing tests, but it will also provide endorphins and allow the stress of the days and weeks to be shaken off. Here's a challenge for anyone willing to drop their times: do the following exercises and let me know what your time is. 50 air squats, 25 burpees, 40 sit-ups, 25 burpees, 30 push-ups, 25 burpees. 

Cooking is not something I particularly excel at. I've made a few dishes in my life that were worthy of praise, but for the most part, I stay out of the kitchen, especially when my wife is cooking (she doesn't need an extra child in there). Also, I am useless without a recipe and directions. If you try this out, let me know what dishes you made.

As someone who is affected greatly by my sleep issues, I can't stress how important adequate, restful sleep can be. When I don't get my 7½ hours of beauty rest, it affects each part of my life, with how productive I am, how I treat people at work, and how I interact with my family. If you are not satisfied with your sleep quality, talk to Maj Olmstead, MSgt Navarrette, or TSgt Johannesson to discuss some options and learn some helpful tips and tricks.

Journaling has been a big part of my life since I was a child. Anyone who has gone through trauma and seen a therapist was told or recommended to keep a journal or diary of their thoughts and feelings. Someone once said that "Everything you need to know, you learned in Kindergarten." Well, I didn't learn to journal until 3rd grade so I am a little behind the curve in that aspect, but I've been a work-in-progress for a while. After the death of a friend and my suicide attempt, I have kept journals and filled numerous composition and other notebooks. Today, I've upgraded to keeping my journals and notes in Obsidian (obsidian.md) so I can link specific feelings, thoughts, and events together with a graph view to aid in recognizing patterns. However you want to manage the chaos in this world, journaling is a simple and cheap way to keep order. 

Gratitude is a simple thing to track. Some people recommend to write down three things you are grateful for at the end of the day so you are actively looking for things to be grateful for throughout the day and others recommend writing down three things first thing in the morning so that you start your day with gratitude in mind and allows that to permeate throughout your day. I know that keeping a gratitude journal of the things I am grateful for when it comes to my wife and kids has transformed how I interact with them. When you are actively looking for gratitude inducing situations, you see more positivity in the world around you. That is never a bad thing, especially with your loved ones. 

This episode almost feels like a follow-on to yesterday's. The message is still the same, if you notice someone in pain, help. So many nuances and tones are missed through digital communications so if you ever feel like something is off with someone, say something. Talk with them on the phone or in person. Verbal cues and vocal intonation can provide so much of a person, regardless of the words they say.  

We have all gone through ACE training and for many of us, we have never felt the need to use it. It's a very difficult to put yourself in, especially if you are way off base. However, that slight uncomfortable feeling can be the start of a conversation that saves a life or, at least, helps you find out what is going on in a colleague's life. If you see someone in pain, help.

Yoga is a great way to connect to your body. We all need breaks throughout the day and some light stretching is a great way to refocus your mind and keep blood flowing throughout the limbs. No one is going to judge you if you step away from the desk for a few minutes, strike a Warrior Pose for 30 seconds and complete a sun salutation. Even if they do, you'll be more energized and ready for a snarky comeback if the need arises. 

Medications are a common way that people succumb to suicide. Ensure that you are removing those from your house or cabinets once they are no longer needed. Suicidal ideations can manifest physical pains and the painkillers that are prescribed seem like a logical course of action. The Motrin 800 or Tylenol with Codeine that was prescribed for a root canal 6 months ago that is still sitting in your cabinet is not an answer for the manifested pains of depression or emotional trauma. Make sure that you flush the medications that can be flushed or return the unused or unnecessary medicines that are lingering around months after the requirement. The website below is a good start, but if you have any questions, reach out and we will find the answer for you.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/safe-disposal-medicines/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know

Day Nine is a prescription, watch some comedy. Find the person in the shop that can always make you laugh in have a conversation with them. If you are into stupid stories that are highly inappropriate, read some Tucker Max stories. If you need to watch Bo Burnham, Dane Cook, Larry the Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy, or even take it old school and watch Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor's stand-up, do so. Whatever you find funny, please take some time and have a great laugh. It'll do wonders for your body, mind, and spirit.

Suicide myths and misconceptions hinder both the support teams and persons that need the support. Although our numbers are much higher than any of us would like, as in ZERO Suicides, we can't get there without dispelling some of the stigmas that come along with them. Remember that asking for help is a difficult step and one that takes a lot of courage and dedication, but so worth the effort for yourself and those around you. Remember that you have a team here to help shoulder some of that effort. Here are the websites discussed in the episode. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.- https://www.greatlifehawaii.com/programs/d8e68386-e034-4d05-b764-453df35fdf7f- www.dspo.mil

COVID has forced innovation upon us. Whether it be learning how to maximize our time out of the office, build off of new technologies such as Platform One and CVR Teams, or how we deal with children that have no outlet for their abundant stores of energy. Take the time to think about how you innovated through this time and remember that the same innovation can be put towards other stressors in your life. COVID showed us that we can find a way through some insurmountable obstacles so remember that when the days are difficult and you think that there is no way through your current struggles. You all have a team of people willing to sit down and brainstorm through whatever issues you've got on your plate; personal or professional.

Day Six is taking stock of our Self Care. Stressors and self-care strategies are vital to a healthy work/life harmony. As a linguist, I have a Individualized Language Training Plan and for my self-care, I have a Individualized Self-Care Plan. One is mandated by the Air Force. The other is how I ensure that take stock in my emotional, mental, and physical health on a weekly basis to ensure I am able to continue to bring the best of me to my family, my friends, and you all. See the Facebook post for the tips and strategy that I used.

Day Five is reinforcing the idea of connections. I talk about the primary reason I am seeking therapy, the sinking of the Cheonan Warship. I urge you to reach out to someone, either friend or professional, if you are experiencing overwhelming feelings or intrusive thoughts. These are two of the biggest events in my life that drove me to seeking help. I opened up to my wife about what I was going through and let her know that I was reaching out to Mental Health to get them under control. There is a daily effort being made to ensure that I strengthen my own resilience and I can only recommend the same for each of you. Life can get ugly unexpectedly and being mentally and emotionally strong is vital to guarantee that we can make it through.

Day Four is about stress relief. Stress is a daily thing with our jobs and we need to find daily paths to relieve it. Today we'll talk about a few options but I know that we have some inventive Airmen and Guardians in this Group. Let me know what your "Go-to" stress relief technique is.

Day Three is about knowing your resources. Google Hickam Mental Health and the top four results are all you need. 15th Medical Group, 15 MDG Mental Health, Tricare Medical Treatment Facility Finder, Great Life Hawaii - Medical Services. We have a Suicide Prevention Coordinator on base, we have an ART that is available 24/7, we have Supervisors, First Sergeants, and Commanders that are all one phone call away. Take the same steps I did and reach out when you need it. It's not easy and I know that better than most, but I have seen the strength of our Airmen as a Victim Advocate, Instructor, and Supervisor. If you need help getting to resources, let me know.

Day Two is about connection. Connections are what bind us together as human beings. When we isolate ourselves or withdraw from the world when we are not feeling like socializing, this could exacerbate the feelings that could lead us to believe that suicide is the only way out. Connections bring us to the realization that there are resources available to assist us. Each of us have people that care and hope the best for us, even though we may forget that from time to time.

Today's theme is important - Suicide Is Preventable. The Air Force has been using "ACE" for decades - Ask, Care, Escort. These are easy steps to take when you are concerned about a fellow Airman or Guardian. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has the #BeThe1To initiative that will be posted to the Facebook page. Please take the time to be there for your fellow human.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide We in the Armed Forces are affected by suicide far more than the average group. With the "22 A Day" movement, the Veterans Administration confirms that 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide here at home. This month is very personal to me and throughout each day, you'll hear some of the stories behind why. With the suicides that have occurred in my family, amongst my friends, and my attempt, you are going to learn about me but throughout the entire month, I hope you understand the true reason why I wanted to do this, remind you that there is help for you. There is nothing we can't work through. There is pain in this world and we will experience an unfair amount due to the nature we operate in. You have agreed to do a job few have taken up and we owe you the resources to ensure that the job doesn't take too much from you. When you feel like you or a friend needs help, reach out. Reach out to the multitude of resources we have. You are already amazing Airmen, but this month, we need to work on being amazing humans for those that need our help. Thank you for going on this journey with me.

Finishing up with the Teaching Moments based on John Kotter's book, Leading Change, I discuss the importance of a clear vision. Arguably the most important thing for an organization to have and be clear on, the vision is what guides and directs the actions of everyone from Squadron Commander down to the newest Airman. Knowing the mission goals and how your specific job fits into that vision is both empowering and reinforces the drive to always perform at our best.

This is Episode Eighteen of Season Two of the 692d Podcast. Join us as we welcome Col Stacy Kihara and her Ohana back to the Group. She assumed command on 3 June and started her third tour in the 692 ISRG. When asked about her assumption of command, she stated, "It felt right. It felt like it fit." I have no doubts that she will lead us to more impressive accomplishments and ensure that our direction and partnerships will find the right "fit".