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All In the Mind: LOMRS Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Darryl Keith
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Each May, the military community joins together to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. Alongside physical and social challenges, effectively coping with unique mental stressors remains a hurdle all Airmen must overcome. 

For Team XL, the Laughlin Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (LOMRS) mental health flight commits themselves to providing compassionate care to those in need during their lowest points. 

“Our mind and body are not two separate parts,” said Maj. Gary Young, LOMRS mental health commander. “If there’s issues with our mental health, it’s going to affect our physical health as well.” 

By prioritizing a core pillar of resilience, the Laughlin mental health flight aid Airmen in staying mentally fit and mission ready. 

Each flight member carries an individual purpose that drives them to complete the mission at hand. For some, they believed the career field chose them. 

“I didn’t know anything about mental health prior to joining,” said Master Sgt. Carlo Manuel Santiago, LOMRS mental health flight chief. “My recruiter told me, ‘Hey, you fly out in two weeks’ and that’s what I signed up for.” 

For others, witnessing the detriments of mental illnesses around peers and loved ones motivated them. 

“Working in maintenance, I knew a colleague that tried to end their life,” said Tech. Sgt. Sharome Stafford, LOMRS alcohol and drug abuse prevention treatment non-commissioned officer in charge. “They got to that point to where they couldn’t speak to anyone, their supervisor or mental health.” 

Every unique, singular motive joins them together to for one common goal: to help others in need. 

“I always believed that I was born to serve those who serve,” said Brissa Arana-Torres, LOMRS family advocacy intervention specialist. “Being here to contribute to that life purpose is very meaningful to me.” 

Combating Airmen’s mental stressors does come with their hurdles. Unhealthy coping mechanisms like loneliness and self-harm, misinformation from peers and minimal communication are a few of the difficulties the mental health flight faces. 

“They don’t know what their next steps should be,” said Brandi Coldwell, LOMRS domestic violence victim advocate. “If you’re not in that situation, you really don’t know what to do.” 

One of the greatest struggles remains destigmatizing mental health within the military ranks. For decades, service members have perceived seeking help as a weakness or being labeled unfit to serve, which is not the case. 

“Airmen can experience something traumatic and jump to the conclusion of, ‘that’s how it is in the military,’” said Airman 1st Class Ciara Smith, LOMRS mental health technician. “The normalization of this behavior doesn’t allow those struggling to be seen and conclude, ‘this is supposed to happen.’” 

To combat their numerous obstacles, the mental health flight promotes open communication throughout Laughlin. Consistent base-wide promotion allows the installation to be properly educated about mental health. From visiting different units to welcoming brand new Airmen, the plan of action helps those in need become more open with their struggles. 

“We are aware of the stigma that mental health is frowned upon,” said Airman 1st Class Demarcus Ruffin, LOMRS mental health technician. “We want everyone to warm up to the idea of discussing the topic instead of looking away.” 

Spreading awareness has helped contribute to a 12% decrease of service members in the Department of War dying by suicide in 2024. Encouraging Airmen to be open about their mental stressors helps restructure their mindset to fortify their resilience.

“When I’m able to talk to a patient and listen to them get everything off their chest, it’s a humbling experience,” said Airman 1st Class Charles Curtis, LOMRS mental health technician. 

From various resources such as the Chaplin Corps and 24/7 hotlines to the continued spread of information about mental wellness, the mental health flight echoes one message to all Laughlin Airmen: you are not alone. 

“It’s okay to not be okay,” said Stacie Bowlin, LOMRS family advocacy program assistant. “There’s always someone there to listen to you. Keep talking to people and you’ll find that person you can rely on.” 

As Mental Health Awareness Month concludes, Laughlin’s mental health flight remains steadfast in leading Airmen out of their worst mental state and towards their most resilient. Keeping all Airmen in mind of their mental wellbeing ensures the mission will always be successful.