Photo By Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves | Airmen assigned to the 341st Missile Wing, pose at a Lean in Circle professional...... read more read more
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Chief Master Sgt. Fred Wetzel, 341st Security Forces Squadron superintendent, hosted a Lean in Circle professional development luncheon Aug. 18, where he led a group discussion with attendees on having a work-life balance.
“If there is one thing I want people to take away from this discussion it is to try to find ways to reduce stress and to build a support network,” Wetzel said. “The only way I have survived in my Air Force career is by having awesome dudes and dudettes by my side.”
Wetzel, originally from Wisconsin, grew up on a dairy farm and enlisted in the service when he was 17 years old.
“I draw talents from my Airmen to help be successful, and what I mean by that, is networking,” Wetzel said. “I go and make friends with everyone.”
Wetzel said the secret to his success is networking and building friendships with as many people as possible, because everyone has talents he doesn’t have.
An Airman at the discussion said one of his biggest hurdles is to find time to decompress, think about the day and what’s next.
“Tasks usually go to the same people,” Wetzel said. “Leaders know and recognize who the stellar Airmen are, and with that responsibility comes the possibility of being so busy with work you don’t get enough time to see your spouse, or kids or get enough sleep.”
Master Sgt. Sherry Matthews, 341st Missile Wing inspector general team member said she struggles with not having enough time in her life.
“I’m a mother of four, a senior NCO and juggling a mil-to-mil marriage,” Matthews said. “I need to be the Airman the Air Force expects me to be as well as be the parent I’m supposed to be. It can be stressful trying to do both.”
Other issues Airmen face in their lives that cause stress and upset life balance include school, family, personal time, volunteering, career progression, work and maintaining leadership roles.
Staff Sgt. Sheena Young, 341st Medical Operations Squadron dental technician, said she struggles with holding life together as well.
“My husband just deployed so I have to do everything by myself,” Young said. “I have (to juggle) Course 15, making rank, moving the lawn, fixing things in the house that break and taking care of our pets. I can get overwhelmed at times.”
Wetzel said when life gets tough there is always someone around who is willing to look out for a fellow wingman.
“You have to have a support circle, a ‘lean in circle,’ if you will,” Wetzel said. “Making friends and utilizing your strengths through give-and-take - learn from each other’s mistakes and solutions.”
The Air Force mission comes first and Malmstrom’s specific mission of nuclear deterrence is no different. There will always be stress in life, however, knowing how to best handle stress is key.
“Focus on what you can control,” Wetzel said. “When did we forget how to smile and laugh? When did laughing (in the workplace) become unprofessional? We have to create an environment of positivity. We only get one life, don’t be miserable.”
He said due to the nature of the mission and the culture, sometimes saying no to taskings can be hard for some people.
“I don’t want to let people down, however, I know how important it is to ask for help when I need it,” Wetzel said. “Leaders understand and are here to help all Airmen be successful.”
| Date Taken: | 08.18.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2016 18:46 |
| Story ID: | 207645 |
| Location: | MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MT, US |
| Web Views: | 1,270 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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