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NCOs share resiliency at Storytellers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Duncan McElroy
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Keesler hosted an installment of the Air Force Storytellers program Feb. 5 at the Vandenberg Community Center.

The spotlight featured four Keesler noncommissioned officers who shared their stories of struggle and perseverance with more than 40 attendees. Content of the stories ranged from battling obesity to unsafe work environments and losing loved ones.

"One thing I liked about this program is that all the stories had a message," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Boyou, 2nd Air Force data analyst and Storytellers presenter. "Learning how to reach out and ask for help, or appreciating your loved ones and not taking anything for granted, are powerful lessons we can take away from Storytellers."

Created in 2012, Storytellers is an open forum-style event designed to allow Airmen to share personal stories in a relaxed, no-consequences environment. It was created in response to former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air force James Roy's open-ended question: Every Airman has a story. What's yours?

"No matter what your story is, it may have an impact on someone - you can inspire someone and not even know it," said Staff Sgt. Amanda Gallegos, 335th Training Squadron instructor and Storytellers presenter. "If I help even one person so they don't have to go through what I did, I would definitely do this again."

The program ended with Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby, 81st Training Wing commander, thanking the four presenters for their participation, and the five organizers for their hard work ensuring the event was safe, relaxed and successful for the presenters and attendees alike.

For more information on Storytellers, visit www.facebook.com/afstorytellers.
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