March Mayhem Annual Training

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Sanchez
  • 144th Fighter Wing
FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. --  To maintain readiness, during the March Unit Training Assembly, drill status Guardsmen from the 144th Fighter Wing spent four days accomplishing annual training requirements, known as March Mayhem.

"The goal is to knockout out this training at one time so that we can allow our Airmen to focus on their core mission for the rest of the year," said US Air Force Brig. Gen. Clay Garrison, 144th Wing Commander. "Then Airmen are able to directly focus on their job-specific duties and job-specific training requirements."

While addressing the Airmen of the wing, Gen. Garrison discussed his top priorities and those of The Adjutant General. He echoed the motto "People first, mission always." "Taking care of each other and being a good wingman is always a focus," said Garrison.  "Our number one resource is people-- people matter."

Garrison also discussed the importance of the 144th FW's mission as an expeditionary wing. "Air power is still the greatest asymmetric advantage that America has," said Garrison. "We provide combat power for the combatant commanders."

The annual training requirements included Suicide Awareness, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Equal Opportunity, and Human Relations. The Suicide Awareness training focused on the ACE program: Ask, Care, and Escort. The SAPR training emphasized the duty of bystanders to act to prevent sexual assault. Both the Equal Opportunity and Human Relations trainings centered on embracing diversity in the workplace. Additionally, the Human Relations training covered a zero-tolerance of violence in the workplace policy and how to combat human trafficking.

One of the four days of training was set aside for "Wingman Day," which concentrated on resiliency and the importance of supporting fellow Airmen. Airmen viewed a documentary film and participated in discussions lead by facilitators. The film told the stories of individuals who overcame extreme tragedies to achieve their goals and live their lives with passion and fulfillment.

When asked about Wingman Day, Senior Airman Adele Rosas, chaplain's assistant, said, "The resiliency video was fantastic. It hit an emotional cord. The discussion questions that followed triggered conversation and were instrumental in helping people connect."

"Ultimately, resiliency is a choice we make each day." said Stephanie Grant, LCSW, director of psychological health. "It involves attending to mental, physical, social, and spiritual domains that encompass our overall health and wellness." She explained that resiliency requires individuals to remain self-aware and to pay attention to their wingman. When indications of a problem are observed, we must act. She said, "We need to ask for help or offer assistance to others."