CSM Corner: a balance of celebration and remembrance

By CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Kristie BradyMay 31, 2022

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

May was filled with both joyful and somber occasions as we start heading into the summer months. We kicked off May as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month which gave us a chance to focus specifically on the contributions of our AAPI teammates throughout history. Even though exclusionary laws prevented U.S. citizenship throughout the 19th and much of the 20th century, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have bravely served in the Army since the Civil War. AAPI Heritage Month stands as a reminder of the strength the Army has gained, and will gain, through a high-quality and diverse force. May was also National Military Appreciation Month and we observed Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 6. The Army recognizes and appreciates the contributions of our Army spouses. Ready and resilient Army spouses routinely put the welfare of Soldiers, families and the Nation above their own. It is so important that we honor our families who support us in supporting the Nation.

We wrapped up May with Memorial Day. While this can be a weekend of fun in the sun and spending time with family and friends, it is also a very solemn time as we reflect on the lives of our brother and sisters in arms who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We honor the memory of those before us and vow to carry on the legacy of the excellence of American Soldiers. This can also be a very difficult time for some of us, especially veterans and military families, so please check in on your battle buddies. Memorial Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay homage and renew their commitment to service members who died serving our Nation. I hope you will join me in renewing your commitment to our fallen service members, each other, and our Nation.

Last but far from least, May was also National Mental Health Awareness Month. I would like to talk a little about mindfulness, learning to acknowledge and accept our thoughts and feelings with curiosity and openness rather than judgment. Mindfulness has been shown to effectively reduce stress, build resilience, and improve health. When we are mindful in our interactions with others, we can improve our relationships as well. Mindfulness is not the absence of difficulties, but the presence of a confident and accepting attitude in the face of a challenge. With practice, mindfulness empowers us to take on the challenges life throws our way, to reach out when we need help, and to support those in need. Whether you are on the front lines, behind a desk, in a lab, or at a clinic, mindfulness can be used in a variety of settings. Mindfulness allows you to identify the priorities, the mission, visualize the end goal and to use your resources accordingly.

Kristie Brady

CECOM Command Sgt. Maj.