AFRC programs focus on mental pillar Published March 8, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upcoming Wingman Day is scheduled to focus on the mental pillar of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness program, but there are programs that focus on this CAF pillar year-round. "The mental pillar is defined as an approach to life's challenges in a positive way by demonstrating self-control, stamina and good character with choices and actions, seeking help and offering help," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Bogdan, 60th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center readiness NCO and master resiliency trainer. The AFRC conducts several programs that focus on various aspects of the mental pillar, including - master resilience training, the 7 Habits for Highly Effective People, financial readiness classes, school liaison programs, predeployment and reintegration briefings and Hearts Apart events, he said. These programs are available for active duty, Reservists, Department of Defense civilians and dependent family members. "Master resilience training is a proactive approach to building mental toughness through a set of core competencies," Bogdan said. The 7 Habits for Highly Effective People focuses on applying the principles of seven habits to achieve effectiveness in all areas of one's life, he said. This course enables people to obtain goals by focusing on the things within their power. "The financial readiness class focuses on reducing financial stress through solid financial planning and literacy," Bogdan said. "Financial readiness provides a peace of mind and promotes the mental pillar." The school liaison program is designed to assist families in having smooth academic transitions which reduces stress, he said. "The predeployment briefing is a readiness expo composed of concurrent briefings, one for family and one for service members, which focuses on education prior to and support during deployments," Bogdan said. "The reintegration briefing educates members returning from deployments on programs supporting reintegration into home and work life." The Hearts Apart events are designed to provide support for geographically separated family members, he said. "AFRC programs are designed to help Airmen and families build resiliency," Bogdan said. "Our programs focus on the four pillars of CAF. The end goal of all these programs is to build mental toughness through education and support. The strongest Airmen are built tough from the inside out." To sign up or get more information about any of the courses visit www.travisafrc.com or call 424-2486.