Base leadership gathered with mental health experts for a Mental Health Symposium at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, March 17.
Hosted by the Mental Health Clinic at Altus, the event brought together 97th Air Mobility Wing squadron commanders, group commanders, senior enlisted leaders, first sergeants, and Victim Advocates from the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention team to discuss how programs under the mental health clinic can guide leaders to support their Airmen in pursuit of mission readiness.
“The focus of the symposium was to align the purpose of the mental health clinic and all of the programs under it with not only the mission of the Wing, but also the Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Amy Milho, Altus Operational Medical Readiness Squadron clinical psychologist. “We discussed education components of how each of our mental health programs are utilized and how we can provide appropriate recommendations to commanders.”
Throughout the event, presenters used real-world scenarios to guide discussion about issues commanders commonly face, such as navigating reporting requirements and determining how best to support Airmen based on their individual circumstances. The symposium also helped clarify common misconceptions about mental health concerns in the military.
“Creating opportunities for cross-talk between commanders was vital to the symposium,” Milho said. “Every command team handles situations differently and sometimes hearing how another commander approached a difficult case can help someone else who may be facing a similar challenge.”
The symposium featured briefings in three key areas: mental health services, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program and the Family Advocacy Program. Each program was important to address, not only to keep base leadership informed of any Air Force Instruction (AFI) updates, but also to equip commanders with tools to manage challenges such as substance misuse, family issues and emotional stress among service members.
“I really appreciated learning more about mental health resources both on and off base, as well as the discussion on different strategies to build resilience,” said Master Sgt. Jacob Siluano, 97th Force Support Squadron and 97th Contracting Flight first sergeant. “There is tremendous value in sharing perspectives and hearing how different command teams approach their units, each with their own unique circumstances.”
Another symposium is scheduled for September to continue giving base leadership practical tools and insights to better support Airmen, address challenges, and ensure Altus Airmen remain fit to fight.