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Resiliency in the face of adversity

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ethan Sherwood
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things.

Extended hours, delays on orders and the constant threat of contracting the coronavirus have made the workplace a harsh environment.

Some fear the unknown and others fear infecting their healthy families. During times of crisis, we rely on our Air Force family and luckily Goodfellow is a pretty good family. 

With thousands of essential personnel maintaining critical roles, even at risk of exposure, people are still finding ways to keep their morale high. 

“My unit, Command Post, is taking the situation on with modest pride,” said Airman 1st Class Isaiah Sikes 17th Command Post command and control operations. “It's who we are as the Command Post, to be the chosen few to carry news back and forth between higher headquarters, based on current events. We joke, and have our small talk with the few of us that are here, but it's a team I would work with again and again.”

Individuals are also finding ways to deal with stress at home. From playing video games, watching a show about a guy in Oklahoma who has 176 tigers, video chatting with family and friends, or just working out in the safety of their own home. 

It’s important to pay as much attention to your mental health as it is to stay physically healthy. 

Take pride in your work, keep in touch with your family, friends, and coworkers. Do whatever you can to stay positive. 

“We’re providing support to key leadership and other essential personnel by deploying 300 or more IT assets for teleworking to ensure safety,” said Senior Airman Matt Little, 17th Communications Squadron, client systems technician. “It’s incredibly fulfilling.”

During these uncertain times, members of the Goodfellow family are coming together. 

From the Command Post keeping information flowing, 17th Security Forces Squadron protecting, to Communications Squadron helping us communicate virtually. 

Facing a pandemic can be daunting, but thankfully Goodfellow is pulling together and putting health and safety first.