45th SB soldiers, families share day of resiliency

Photo By Erin Sherwood | Soldiers of the 45th Sustainment Brigade gather on the beach in small groups for resiliency classes at Joint Base Pearl-Harbor Hickam, Feb 28. The classes were part of a series of events designed to increase resiliency and esprit de corps throughout the brigade.  

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HI, UNITED STATES

02.28.2014

Story by Spc. Erin Sherwood 

8th Theater Sustainment Command

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - More than 200 soldiers from the 45th Sustainment Brigade shared a day of resiliency and unity Feb. 28, at Honeymoon Beach here.

A three-mile family fun run, a spirited tug of war event, and interactive resiliency classes filled the day, as full picnic tables and music kept the activities relaxed and comfortable for families to enjoy some of the sunny benefits of being in Hawaii.

"The idea was to step out of the box and get some great resiliency training in," said Sgt. 1st Class Ian Cutting, the brigade mental readiness coordinator. "Instead of just the typical brigade run we wanted to make it a fun event for family members as well."

Cutting said resiliency is a top priority right now for the brigade and Army-wide, to include coming up with new ways to teach soldiers better coping skills and methods that can directly contribute to the morale of themselves and their families.

"I really liked the different approach they took to the event," said Sgt. Latdaovonh Bransford, a 45th SB soldier. "It's nice to see everyone come together and just have a good time."

The day also promoted a sense of unity throughout the brigade as the 45th SB’s headquarters prepares to deploy to Afghanistan this summer and its rear detachment temporarily realigns under the 8th Military Police Brigade.

Command Sgt. Maj. Dana Mason emphasized the importance of team to the troops. He said, "This is the last time we are all going to be together as a brigade for nine months. Some of us are overseas, but we are all still 45th soldiers. Please remember that and continue to work as a team."

That teamwork filled the beach as soldiers cheered each other on during the tug of war competition, followed by company-level groups gathering for motivational speakers and reflection on their specific challenges and how to overcome them as a team.

"I think having a little bit of everything for these events is the way to go," said Cutting. "Physical, mental and emotional strength is definitely the key to success."

• Date Taken: 02.28.2014
• Date Posted: 03.04.2014 21:21
• Story ID: 121508
• Location: JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HI, US