With an eye toward taking care of its people, Naval Air Station Fallon hosted the Resilient Workforce Summit, Feb. 29 through March 1.

The two-day conference, which focused on building a stronger workforce allowed NASF Sailors the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge from subject-matter experts.

Programs presented information on the 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative, Sailor 2025 Enriched Culture Pillar, and the Chief of Naval Operations' Navigation Plan 2015-2019.

"Our Sailors and their families must be prepared to handle the mental and emotional rigors of military service and always be ready," said John Croce, fleet personal and family readiness and workshop facilitator, assigned to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "The SMEs here today influence the policies and write the instructions you all have to live with. Take this opportunity to ask questions, voice your opinions and challenge the accepted norms. We're here because we want to know what you think and what your challenges are."

As part of RWS, Sailors asked direct questions to project SMEs during a group session and during individual breakout sessions with command program advisors.

"I particularly enjoyed the Q&A session with the SME panel," said Legalman 2nd Class Fred Edwards. "They provided real answers to the questions that the Sailors asked; and I thought that was great. It showed they really cared about taking the next generation from the 'frozen middle' to the 'active front.'"

Program directors and guest speakers addressed target audiences during separate sessions for triad leadership, officers and chiefs, and E4-E6 Sailors.

"In addition to allowing the program managers the opportunity to clarify instructions, the focus groups really allowed us to get some important first-hand training with 'Big Navy' SMEs," said Jeannette Casillas, sexual assault response coordinator for NASF. "As SARCs and victim advocates it is our obligation to be agents of change to effectively eliminate the culture of sexual violence from our military community!"

RWS focused heavily on the topic of suicide prevention, but also allowed for discussions on ethics and effective partnering, operational stress control, physical readiness, and equal opportunity. Presentations on alcohol and drug abuse prevention, fleet career counseling, transition assistance, and "the chaplain's role in resilience" rounded out the agendas for each day.

In addition to the OPNAV SMEs, Mary Bartlett, who has a distinguished history with the Department of Defense on suicide and resilience related matters, spoke in depth about suicide prevention and care.

"Why is it that when we know someone is going through a difficult time, do we shy away from that person?" asked Bartlett. "The most important thing we can do for anyone who is in a difficult situation is to talk with them and listen to their struggles."

RWS concluded with a special 'Comedy is the Cure' show hosted by comedian Bernie McGrenahan at the base theater, March 17.

For more news from Naval Air Station Fallon, visit www.navy.mil/.