Officials at the Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in DeWitt are reacting to a recent Air Force study that showed that about one third of active duty RPA pilots reported symptoms of burnout, and are taking the necessary steps to address the issue, including the creation of a health and wellness center, which is the first of its kind on any Air National Guard Base in the country.
“The chaplain services, the health services, the fitness services, the family services and they were all splintered out all across the base and not centrally located for that member. We were able to bring all those together into the Joint Deployment Health and Wellness Center (J-HAWC) here, so it’s kind of a one stop shop,” said Colonel Greg Semmel, 174th Fighter Wing.
The center is co-located with the Deployment Processing Center and provides a consolidated area for deployment services while addressing the health and wellness of service members across all dimensions of wellness.
The Center was opened here recently with great fanfare, including a visit by US Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25).
Operating a remotely piloted aircraft can be just as challenging and stressful as flying an F-16. “Four or five days a week. Working 10 to 11 hours a day. On a regular basis, the crews will fly several times during that shift period. They’ll operate the airplane both in combat operations and training operations,” said Semmel.
“It is a demanding, challenging job in that it’s long hours, it’s long missions, it’s paying close attention to what’s going on on the ground to support those troops on the ground,” Semmel. Officials have also shortened RPA pilot shifts to reduce stress and keep everyone safe at work and at home.
The Hancock Field Air National Guard base also has a full-time chaplain, wing director of psychological health and a family services coordinator.
Lt. Col. MaryJo Timpano, the 174th Fighter Wing’s Director of Staff and person responsible for spear heading creation of the J-HAWC, is excited about the possibilities offered by the new facility. “My hope is that the J-HAWC ‘de-stigmatizes’ people’s perception about seeking help. It will be a positive experience. It’s confidential and it allows airmen and soldiers to approach things in a positive way. It’s about wellness not illness.”
Sources: Your News Now, Hancock Field Air National Guard Base