Unity Bridge: A symbol of strength, support and resiliency

  • Published
  • By TSgt. Thomas Swanson
  • 102nd Intelligence Wing

OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. - In recent weeks and months, the Air National Guard and members of the 102nd Intelligence Wing have put extra emphasis on resiliency, wellness and suicide prevention within our community. As part of that effort, 102nd IW Airmen and Family Readiness Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist, Ms. Kimberly Healy facilitated a unique project and moral event called the “Unity Bridge”.

 

“The Unity Bridge is a symbol of strength and support when it may be needed more than ever,” said Healy.

 

During recent regularly scheduled drills, Airmen from around the wing expressed their commitment to each other and loved ones by writing messages of hope on planks of wood organized by unit. Ms. Healy then used wood burning techniques to permanently engrain these messages and assembled the emblematic structure.

 

“Together the 102nd Intelligence Wing has shown that no person should ever have to face their ‘bridge’ alone,” said Healy.

 

“This shows the unity across the wing, and the importance of taking care of each other,” said Tech Sgt. Richard Black of the 102nd Logistics Readiness Flight.

 

Each step across the bridge represents the member’s collective commitment to each other, and the bridge itself is symbolic of strength, each unit working together as a wing to support its Airmen up and over life’s challenges.