Storytellers: tales of overcoming adversity

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  About 200 Airmen and civilians attended a Storytellers luncheon Oct. 14, at the Grizzly Bend.

The Chaplain Corps hosts the event twice a year to bring individuals across the base together to hear different stories of overcoming adversity and moving forward.

“We don’t have to get people off base to come tell their stories,” said Capt. John Reutemann, 341st Missile Wing chaplain “There are people on base who overcome adversity every day, whether they rely on family, friends or faith.”

Lt. Col. Paul Castillo, 341st MW wing chaplain opened the event with a prayer.

“Today we ask individuals to keep an open mind and heart,” said Castillo.

Five Airmen of different ranks and uniforms spoke on obstacles including battling vulvar cancer, almost getting kicked out of the military, having an affair, learning to live with thyroid cancer and undergoing 10 surgeries.

Master Sgt. Gabriel Portillo-Ramos, 490th Missile Squadron superintendent, shared his story of almost getting kicked out of the military as an Airman.

“The reason why I am still in the Air Force is because of the tremendous support I received from my wife, supervisor, co-workers, friends and family throughout my struggles,” said Portillo-Ramos.

Each of the Airmen spoke on the power of communication and asking for help when needed.

Capt. Brittany Rhanes, 341st Operations Support Squadron intercontinental ballistic missile emergency war order planner, had to learn to ask for help at a vulnerable time in her life battling a rare case of vulvar cancer.

“I had cancer, but life did not have to stop because of it,” said Rhanes.

These Airmen learned to stay positive in the midst of their situations.

“I will have to live with thyroid cancer for the rest of my life,” said Master Sgt. Sherry Matthews, 341st MW NCO in charge of inspector general exercises and plans. “For me, it’s a reminder to be the person I want to be remembered as.

“No matter what life throws at you, it’s not a bad thing to seek help,” she continued.
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.