‘Magical’ resiliency training to be held next week

  • Published
  • By Patty Welsh
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Hanscom workforce has an opportunity to attend unique resiliency training at the Conference Center Sept. 29 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Brad Barton, a world-record-breaking track athlete, continuous improvement leadership expert, magician, author and nationally-known motivational speaker, will talk about building positive attributes in ourselves and others.

The presentation will highlight the building of personal and family resiliency, and Barton said attendees should "plan to laugh out loud," as they discover how to adapt to adversity.

"Life is pain, and life is hard, but it's also amazing and wonderful," he said. "My role is to remind you of life's truths that you already know."

Hanscom's Community Support Coordinator Linda Ambard encourages attendance and said, "Remember, we cannot take care of anyone else unless we recharge our own batteries and take time to build our own resiliency."

Barton will be using magic literally and figuratively to make his points.

"It will be an entertaining, high-energy event," he said. "It's going to be a blast, but attendees will also gain valuable material that they'll be able to use as soon as they walk back to their desks or doors."

Some of the topics to be covered include: 'What is resiliency?', 'Who has it and who doesn't?' and 'What are the factors that build resiliency?' Participants will learn about practical tools for building resiliency in themselves, their work teams and their families.

Military dependents are welcome to attend as well.

Earlier in the day, Barton will speak to students at the Hanscom Middle School and the Youth Center staff. He said he's pleased to have the opportunity.

"We need to let our young people know that life is hard and there will be tough times, but it gets better," he said. "The challenge is if you don't have perspective."

Barton said that people often think the fact that they have problems is a problem, but everyone has problems, it's just learning the resiliency to deal with them.

He emphasized that "Life's a roller coaster ride."

Barton has previously provided training at other Air Force bases, for the Army, the IRS and a multitude of commercial clients. He also has a background as a substance abuse prevention specialist.

For more information about the event, contact Ambard at 781-225-1771.