Mental fortitude: the key to Airpower

Published Jan. 9, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
914th Public Affairs

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- As American combat operations are scaled back in different operating areas in the middle-east, U.S. Servicemembers are encouraged by senior leaders to stay ready for anything; which means staying both physically and mentally fit.

The base fitness center here accommodates the physical fitness demands of U.S. Air Force personnel.

But what is a unit member to do when they are in need of mental health?

Enter: Dan Norton.

Norton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who also holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology. He assumed his new role as the 914th Airlift Wing Director of Psychological Health at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station in early 2014.

He is one of the first mental health professionals in the Air Force Reserve and has 15 counterparts nationwide.

"The importance of one's mental health cannot be overstated," said Lt.Col. Patrick Campbell, deputy commander, 914th Operations Group. "You have no chance of winning the game if you are not in it mentally. Unfortunately, your mental health cannot be seen or measured visually like your physical health."

In recent years, military officials have recognized a steady increase in post-traumatic stress, divorce and suicide among service members, and a need for mental health professions in close proximity of Reserve bases.

"My goal is to have everybody on base know who I am, and where I am," said Norton. "It is very important that they feel comfortable to get help for any type of mental health issue. This can include something in their life they are having difficulties managing (such as) depression, anxiety, marital issues, reintegrating to the home after a deployment, substance abuse, and so on."

Norton has assisted many Airmen in different squadrons who faced distressing events this year.

"This summer, upon my return from my deployment, I was fortunate to act as the 914th Operations Group Commander," said Campbell. "However, there was no way any of us knew we would lose five members who were deeply loved and respected by us all. This occurred within the span of two months...This was a difficult time for our members and some were emotionally weary."

Campbell adds, "Dan arrived right at the beginning of these trying times. His assistance was invaluable, not just to members of the unit, but also to the families of those who lost their loved ones. The timing could not have been more perfect. If anything, this summer proved the value of having him on base."

Norton states that he tailors his approach to the Airmen and is constantly evaluating the situation and adjusting his assistance as needed by utilizing outlets in addition to himself for the benefit of the member.

"I do shorter term counseling with the Airmen on base," said Norton. "After the counseling, I can refer the member out to various resources and connections I have built up in the communities our Airmen live in, then basically case manage with outside services they are involved in."

"We each carry personal stresses, such as financial struggles, marriage difficulties, problem children, employment issues, etc., which directly impact our effectiveness as Airmen, as parents, as supervisors and employees," said Campbell. "Having this resource here at Niagara is huge because it provides members with an outlet, a trained individual to talk to and share issues. He can assist the member directly and/or refer him/her to outside agencies that can help. Humans are social beings, thus speaking to a live human being instead of an email, voice mail, or even phone call, is very reassuring."

Campbell said Norton has interacted with other members who are dealing with a variety of deep personal issues. Campbell said he personally directed some of his troops to Norton and they have all provided extremely positive feedback about their sessions with him.

Norton stated he is committed to growing his network of resources and using his skill-set to accommodate a variety of issues that may affect unit members.

"Many times I will meet with outside agencies and discuss how we can work together to give our Airmen first-class treatment at the 914th, which may include sharing of trainings, collaborating with projects involving mental health on base or in the community, said Norton. "I also will be involved with crisis management on base, taking part in disaster psychological health, and psycho-education and preventive work."

"He has the personality, knowledge, and wisdom needed to effectively reach our members in need," said Campbell. "His addition to the 914 AW staff will produce significant dividends as we support new contingencies and Higher Headquarter taskings."