Former NFL star Walker educates Golden Bears on tour

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  All-Pro football star Herschel Walker engaged Golden Bears Tuesday and Wednesday at Travis Air Force Base as part of the Patriot Support Program Anti-stigma Campaign.

The campaign, in partnership with Walker, is used to encourage service members to seek help for mental health and substance abuse issues. Since 2008, Walker has made appearances at 95 military installations.

"Don't be afraid to ask for help," Walker said. "There is no shame when asking for help. The real shame is when you do not seek it."

During Walker's presentation, he shared his personal experiences throughout his college and professional football career as well as the challenges he faced when he was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder.

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy describes DID as "a condition in which a person has two or more distinct identity or personality states, which may alternate within the individual's conscious awareness."

Walker, who is best known for playing running back for four NFL teams including the Dallas Cowboys, said that one day he realized something was not right with himself and acknowledged that he needed help. He then received the mental treatment needed.

"It took a lot of internal strength to not only self-identify that I had a problem, but to get up every day and continue with treatment," Walker said.

Walker's story and message of resiliency was well-received by Golden Bears.

"No matter the situation you're in, someone will always be there to help you," said Staff Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, 60th Security Forces Squadron evaluator. "I was very excited to meet (Walker), shake his hand and thank him for the inspiring words and the message he shared with us today."

In addition to speaking with Golden Bears, Walker was able to tour the dormitories, fitness center, David Grant USAF Medical Center, a C-5 Galaxy static display, and attend a security forces military working dog demonstration.

According to the campaign, Walker has shared his message with more than 100,000 service members and families in the Continental United States and Hawaii.

"It takes a big man to stand up for yourself, but it takes a bigger man to stand up for others, which is what you all do in the service," Walker said.

For more information or help with mental health, the Mental Health Flight can be reached at 423-5174. From 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For help after hours or on weekends, call the Emergency Room at 424-3826.