Keep the holidays safe, fun

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel
  • 48th Fighter Wing commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Do you know what your wingman is doing this holiday?

If not, find out! An integral part of our Wingman culture is looking after each other. The winter months are the most pivotal time of year to embrace this culture of Airmen helping Airmen.

With winter in full swing, many of us are spending more time indoors. Weight gain is a well-known pitfall of the winter routine, but another, less known pitfall, is seasonal affective disorder.

SAD is a type of winter depression caused by lack of sunlight. The condition is characterized by depression, social withdrawal, overeating and weight gain.

SAD is a preventable disorder. One of the easiest ways to combat SAD is exposure to sunlight and activity. This winter, spend time walking, running or playing a sport - even if it's indoors. These exercises, especially if you're outside on a clear, cold, sunny winter day, are not only good for the winter blues, but they also help you and your families stay physically fit.

Another way to combat winter blues is to get involved in the community. During this holiday season, there are many volunteer opportunities to help people in need or assist in worthy causes, both on and off base. From Airmen Against Drunk driving to the Salvation Army, from Toys for Tots to local social services centers, volunteering helps others and helps you feel better about yourself.

For Airmen living in the dorms and our unaccompanied folks, if you are unable to visit your family during the holidays, the 48th Services Squadron Project CHEER program offers events specifically for you all. Here are a few upcoming events this season:

- New movie night Tuesdays at the 48th Avenue

- Healthy holiday fitness incentive program

- Bowling, pool and Xbox tournaments

- Several paintball, ski, snowboard and caving trips through the outdoor recreation center.

The Project CHEER website www.projectcheer.org features information on giveaways, prizes events and all U.S. Air Forces in Europe Project CHEER programs taking place this holiday season. Supervisors, encourage your single Airmen to take advantage of these special programs.

For everyone in the Liberty Wing, make it a point to touch base with your wingman regularly during the holidays, and watch out for signs of depression or loneliness. If your friends or co-workers are down-in-the-dumps or feeling alone over the Christmas season, bring them along with you to a holiday event or Project CHEER program and help combat the winter blues.

By being a good wingman, you help ensure the Liberty Wing successfully accomplishes our operational mission while enjoying a safe, healthy holiday season.