Vance psychologist, Enid native, keeps Airmen mentally focused on mission in Southwest Asia

Photo By Jeremy Larlee | Maj. Ron Johnson , of mental health services at the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group, poses outside his office at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, June 21.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.15.2010

Story by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Being fit to fight for the deployed mission takes more than running several miles a day or doing push-ups or sit-ups. That's the physical side. It also means being mentally fit -- which is where Maj. Ron Johnson finds his niche as his deployed base's clinical psychologist.

Johnson, chief of mental health services at the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, is deployed from the 71st Medical Operations Squadron at Vance Air Force Base, Okla. His deployed duties require he ensures mission readiness by providing mental health services to deployed Airmen and Soldiers.

"As a clinical psychologist I help maintain the emotional fitness of members here," the doctor said. "I do this by helping individuals cope with the stress and strains of the deployed environment. Sometimes I help them make changes in their lives, other times I just help them change how they view what is happening around them. I also help people cope with difficulties arising from being separated from their loved ones."

The major helps heal older mental wounds as well.

"In addition, I help some individuals cope with problematic situations they have experienced in the past, sometimes from previous deployments, and help them resolve these and move on in their lives," he said.

The 19-year Air Force veteran and native of Enid, Okla. helps deployed personnel in enhancing wellness through individual therapy, behavior change and stress and anger management. He said his skills are necessary in a deployed environment.

"I think that it is very important to have a mental health officer in the deployed environment, said Major Johnson. "All of us at times have issues that we cannot resolve by ourselves that is part of being human. So having recourses available like mental health and the chapel is extremely important to help keep people healthy and happy while they are deployed.

The doctor said he finds his work here very rewarding.

"I receive great satisfaction when I help people though difficult situations or events and realize that without that help they might not have been able to return to their normal functioning," he said. "I feel it is a great privilege to be in a deployed setting helping others here to resolve any issues that may arise so they can complete their mission and return to their families stronger and better prepared to live happy and healthy lives."

Johnson said that helping others helps him get through his deployment as well.

"Being deployed can be difficult and stressful, it can also be rewarding," he said. "Being in the military and helping people in a deployed environment overcome obstacles and return home to their family stronger and more confident is what keeps me going."

The 380th AEW is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of five groups and 18 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, air battle management, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia.

• Date Taken: 07.15.2010
• Date Posted: 07.15.2010 01:33
• Story ID: 52841
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)