CAF Day

Members of the 4th Fighter Wing participate in a wing run during Comprehensive Airman Fitness (CAF) Day, Sept. 30, 2013. The day promoted resiliency and the CAF program, which aims to increase performance in the social, physical, mental and spiritual aspects of Airmen’s lives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley/Released)

CAF Day

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Antonio Reid, 4th Comptroller Squadron finance technician, tells his story about life before joining the Air Force during Comprehensive Airman Fitness (CAF) Day, Sept. 30, 2013. Several members of Team Seymour shared anecdotes about how they overcame adversity by strengthening certain aspects of their lives associated with the social, mental, physical and spiritual pillars of CAF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aubrey White)

CAF Day

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 4th Force Support Squadron play softball during Comprehensive Airman Fitness (CAF) Day, Sept. 30, 2013. Units throughout the 4th Fighter Wing were encouraged by wing leaders to enhance resiliency by spending time away from their workplaces and focus on the social, mental, physical and spiritual pillars of CAF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley)

CAF Day

Members of Team Seymour attend a 4th Medical Group picnic during Comprehensive Airman Fitness Day, Sept. 30, 2013. Airmen and their families were encouraged by wing leaders to spend time together, away from the workplace, and focus on what makes them resilient. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Amber Millerchip)

Taking time to enhance resiliency

Published Oct. 2, 2013
By Senior Airman Aubrey White
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Members of the 4th Fighter Wing put down their wrenches, steered clear of their computers and put on their running shoes for a day dedicated to resiliency, Sept. 30, 2013.

Comprehensive Airman Fitness (CAF) Day kicked off with a 1.6-mile wing run, which promoted unity and morale while emphasizing the physical pillar of the CAF program.

After the run, Airmen were released to their units to focus on the day's theme of counting blessings. Several units, such as the 4th Medical Group and 4th Force Support Squadron, took the opportunity to spend time with their fellow wingmen and family members while participating in outdoor activities.

"Sometimes, with our hectic military lifestyles, we forget to stop and smell the flowers and think about what helps make us resilient," said Airman 1st Class Lauren Henderson, 4th Force Support Squadron force management technician. "It was nice to take a day to spend quality time with coworkers and family while playing a couple games of wiffle ball. It's the little things in life that give us the strength to carry on whatever mission is at hand."

Members of Team Seymour were also invited to attend a Storytellers event at the base theater to listen to the accounts of Airmen who have overcome adversities including alcoholism, homelessness and child abuse.

Staff Sgt. Phillip McCroskey, pictured, 4th Medical Operations Squadron immunizations technician, spoke at the event. In 1991, 23 percent of his body was left scarred due to a family member's decision to drive while tired.

"We were an hour away from home (after driving) four hours. We were on the home stretch," McCroskey said as he recalled the accident, which changed his life. "At age three, I was told I would never walk again ... I would be paralyzed on the left side of my body. I've had skin grafts just so I could walk again. To this day, I still have pain with my scars. Next time you try to make that trip (when tired), just remember, not only (can) you hurt yourself, you can harm someone else."

Although McCroskey has lived with the aches of his scars for the past 22 years, he said he is able to use his experience as a warning about the dangers of driving extended distances while exhausted.

"Everyone has a story; everyone has a different background," Henderson said. "You don't realize when people have their uniform on that they are people and they do have their own lives outside the military, so it was nice to hear some Airmen open up and share their stories."

CAF days are will be held quarterly, the next one scheduled for Nov. 22.