Storytellers: tales of resiliency, empowerment

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than 150 Airmen, dependents and civilians joined together for a luncheon April 1 at the Grizzly Bend to hear stories of overcoming an addiction, mental and physical abuse, sexual assault, nearly losing a family member and the effects of a death in the family.

Storytellers is a resiliency event held biannually here, where individuals are able to share their stories and inspire and empower others during tough times.

Master Sgt. Reina Voss, 341st Missile Wing judge advocate law office superintendent, spoke on how the stressors in her life led to her addiction to alcohol and her road to recovery. Voss realized she needed to make a change and decided to get rid of alcohol for good.

"One of the biggest reasons I didn't ask for help was because I didn't want to let down my chain of command," said Voss. "At some point you have to pull yourself away from everything you're fearful of, do something for yourself and get yourself out of that place."

Staff Sgt. Hillary McCrumb, a Montana Air National Guard member, shared her sexual assault story and gave words of advice to others that have been affected. McCrumb said her number one resource was the love and care from family and friends that supported her through the traumatic experience.

"Don't be afraid," said McCrumb. "If you've been shut down by people, they don't believe you or if they made you out to be the bad guy, you're not. You're a survivor and you can get through it and there are people out there that will help you."

Dr. Elin Pierce, fish and wildlife biologist, recalled a time when her mother severely injured her head and almost lost her life. Pierce said her faith is what pulled her through the hard time when the worst seemed inevitable.

"I couldn't tell you how exhausted I was," said Pierce. "I just asked myself and God if she was going to live. The most important thing you can have in any tragedy is faith. It doesn't matter who or what it's in, but for me it was God."

Staff Sgt. Frank Farmer, a member of the 341st Civil Engineering Squadron, shared the story of his wife passing away less than a year ago in a fatal car accident involving another vehicle. Even though Farmer says he has doubted life at times, his daughter is what kept him living today, and keeps him living every day.

"I don't raise her for just myself," said Farmer. "I raise her for my wife and I. I try to give her the best childhood I can. She had her mother stolen from her but that's not going to shorten her any other way; I'll do everything I can (for her)."

Airmen and their families in need can reach the base chaplain at 731-3721, mental health at 731-4451 and the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at 731-4900.