Air Force Base Trains Volunteers to Support Fellow Airmen

When someone is struggling, reaching out to a friend feels easier than calling a helpline. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio is turning that insight into action with a volunteer program that trains people to help their colleagues find support.

The Peer Support Program seeks both military members and civilians who want to guide fellow Airmen toward mental health resources and helping agencies. Senior Master Sergeant Jacob Wireman, who leads the initiative for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, says the approach works because it relies on people who already have trust in their workplaces.

The program addresses a common problem: many people don't know what resources exist or feel uncomfortable seeking help through official channels. By training volunteers who already work alongside their peers, the base creates natural pathways to care that feel less intimidating.

Volunteers attend a one-day training session led by the base's Integrated Resilience Office, where they learn about available helping agencies and how to connect people who need support. Training sessions are scheduled for June 17, with more dates coming in August through October.

The requirements are straightforward: volunteers need a genuine desire to help others, approval from their supervisor, and commitment to attend the training plus an annual refresher. No special qualifications or counseling background are needed.

At a recent May training session, volunteers shared varied motivations for participating. Some had used helping agencies themselves and wanted to pay it forward. Others saw it as a leadership skill that would help them better support team members.

Brad Schlessman, one of the new volunteers, said the training gave him practical knowledge he can use immediately. "I thought this would be a good opportunity to just get more exposure to these programs and be available to help if the situation arises," he explained.

The Ripple Effect

The program's impact extends beyond individual conversations. With the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center spanning multiple locations and thousands of employees, trained peer supporters create a network of care across the entire organization. Each volunteer becomes a resource hub for their unit, multiplying access to help without requiring people to navigate unfamiliar systems or offices.

Wright-Patterson continues accepting volunteers for upcoming sessions, building a community where asking for help becomes easier and support lives right next door.