Coworker, Mentor, Wingman and Friend

  • Published
  • By Maj. Christine Stanaback
MACDILL AFB Fla. --  The dreaded phone call in the middle of the night.

It's the phone call supervisors and senior enlisted members hope they never receive because they know that usually means something is wrong and an Airman is in desperate need.

Master Sgt. Kathy McNeil, 927th Wing Career Assistance Advisor, received one of these calls from a coworker and at the time, no one knew how that phone call would affect both of them.

The young Airman's husband committed suicide and sergeant McNeil was one of the first people she called for support.

"I don't supervise anyone, so it meant a lot to me that she had the confidence and faith in me to know that I could help," McNeil said. "It was a tragic event, but to know that she thought of me as a person she could depend on was humbling."

"During any crisis, as wingmen, it is important to listen and provide a sound support system." Michelle Lind, 927th Wing, Director of Psychological Health, MacDill AFB Florida, said. "Sometimes they just need someone to be physically present. If you are not able to meet them in person, help them identify someone that can be there for them."
"It's also important to remember support does not end with the initial crisis, don't be afraid to follow up in person, or through a phone call or text," she continued.
Sgt. McNeil immediately met with the airmen and at first only listened. For the next two weeks no training could have prepared Sgt. McNeil for the role she played in providing support for the Airmen and her family during the difficult time.

Sgt. McNeil made phone calls to assist the family with arrangements, drove the family around town to handle personal matters and accompanied the member to medical appointments during her time of need.

The Tampa Bay area recognizes the unique challenge of wearing the uniform by providing agencies to help alleviate stress and provide support for those in crisis.
"There are many resources available to military members and their families such as the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, providing round-the-clock support by calling 2-1-1 or visiting www.crisiscenter.com," Lind said. "The crisis center provides free over the phone counseling and has access to nearly 5,000 referral agencies."

"There is also the Suicide Lifeline, 1-800-273-Talk (8255) that provides help for people in crisis and an outlet for people who are concerned about a friend or family member's well being."


The Airman is back to work and doing very well and has since moved on to another assignment.

"The whole situation completely changed my life and outlook on my daily interactions with people," said Sgt. McNeil. "We started off as coworkers and now I am part of her family."