ACC exemplifies resilience during walk

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nick Wilson
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs

Throughout his tenure at Air Combat Command, General Mike Holmes, commander of ACC, has emphasized the importance of not only being physically fit, but also being mentally fit and resilient.

As part of this initiative, Holmes led a “resiliency walk” for uniformed and civilian Airmen on the ACC staff here, Oct. 25.

“There is no designated course, length of walk or pace,” said Col. David Chace, ACC director of staff. “We are not requiring any specific discussion topics.  It is an opportunity for your Directorate to get out of the office, move and connect.”

Although a muggy, gloomy appearance saturated the afternoon sky, ACC staff members eagerly left their work centers to stroll outside and converse in a venue other than indoors.

“We know that there are a lot of challenges that we face in the Air Force, that we face in our units and that we face as individuals in this life,” Holmes said. “It’s important to take a moment and get out of the office and walk around with your folks.”

An environment other than behind a computer may also give Airmen an opportunity to decompress and think about something other than work.

“It clears your head,” said Sara Holmes, General Holmes’ wife. “You get a little exercise and chance to talk.”

In addition to providing an opportunity to unwind from the office, the resiliency walk also gives senior leaders and supervisors a chance to build relationships with Airmen.

“Check in on your people,” said Chief Master Sgt. David Wade, command chief of ACC. “Make sure they know you care. And especially, take time for yourself and your family.”

Holmes concluded the resiliency walk with a quarterly awards ceremony at Langley’s Memorial Air Park. As ACC’s quarterly awards ceremonies are typically designed during banquets, command staff members wanted to try something different this quarter.

“We are breaking away from the longer lunch format and award script of the past to a shorter ceremony that enables greater participation and recognition of our teammates,” Chace said.

Holmes also thanked his staff for all they do for Airmen and families of ACC.

“We asked you to come in small groups today on purpose,” Holmes said. “In your small teams is where you talk about what we believe in and what we care about.

“I’m proud to be a part of your team,” Holmes continued. “As we go forward, it’s up to us to make the command the place that we want it to be and to help all of us live up to the things we aspire to be.”