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A group of single Airmen from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., gather for a photo commemorating the Single Airmen Resiliency retreat in Grapevine, Texas, Aug. 26, 2012. The group spent the weekend away from Cannon acquainting themselves, having fun and learning about healthy living. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kristen Coager)
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Resiliency retreat revelation
Posted 8/29/2012 Updated 8/29/2012
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Commentary by Airman 1st Class Kristen Coager
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
8/29/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Single Airmen Resiliency trip began just like any other early-morning adventure. Everyone arrived bleary-eyed, expecting to sleep away the eight hour trip to Grapevine, Texas. An awkward silence between unfamiliar Airmen ensued until departure when we were forced to sit two-to-a-seat and introduce ourselves to someone we had never seen on base before.
It didn't take long for everyone to get comfortable with each other. So comfortable, in fact, that we complained with our new acquaintances when the air conditioning went out 30 minutes into the bus ride.
After hearing the word "resiliency" over and over since I joined the Air Force, I half expected to hear the infamous phrase from my daily tech school morning briefing: "Suicide is not a joke."
Much to my surprise, the weekend had nothing to do with that type of briefing at all and everything to do with how Airmen at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., could better their lives through healthy living.
After the long bus ride with no air conditioning, we finally arrived at the Great Wolf Lodge. I felt like a kid again soon after we entered, running around the indoor water park, in awe of all the fun to be had. People who were once just acquaintances instantly became friends that I felt like I'd known my entire life.
The ice breaker from the bus ride had pushed us all out of our comfort zones to being able to have fun with someone who a day prior had been a stranger.
The Texas Rangers game I attended later that day was the highlight of my weekend getaway! The weather was a bit warm as the midday Texas sun heated up, but it was worth it. I got a great sandal tan line, enjoyed some ballpark snacks and made several new friends.
If I had based my opinion of this experience on my first impression, I probably would have spent the entire weekend in my hotel room reading and would not have learned anything new about my fellow Airmen. However, our group leaders got us to open up and helped us realize that it was more than okay to talk about the tough things we've all been dealing with as single first-term Airmen at Cannon.
I arrived at Cannon in October of 2011 and I've been apprehensive about getting involved with Airmen groups up until this trip. After this weekend, I realize that the only thing I have to lose is my pride - then I will have everything to gain.
It is easier to judge people than get to know their story. Take the time out of your day to get to know your people: their needs, their problems and their strengths.
The Air Force is like a family, whether we realize it or not. This resiliency trip made me realize I have a lot more in common with my fellow Air Commandos than just my uniform.
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