Herschel Walker shares life challenges with Barksdale Airmen

Herschel Walker, former professional football player, gives the ?thumbs-up? from the cockpit of a B-52H Stratofortress during his visit to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 11. During his visit, Walker spoke with Airmen about his career, signed autographs and posed for pictures and received a tour of a B-52H Stratofortress static display. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sean Martin)

Herschel Walker shares life challenges with Barksdale Airmen

Herschel Walker, Heisman Trophy winner, signs an autograph for a fan during his visit to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 11. During his visit, Walker spoke with Airmen about his career, signed autographs and posed for pictures and received a tour of a B-52H Stratofortress static display. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sean Martin)

Herschel Walker shares life challenges with Barksdale Airmen

Published Dec. 12, 2012
By Senior Airman Sean Martin
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Herschel Walker, football legend and spokesperson for The Freedom Care Program, visited Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 11.

Walker came here as part of the Freedom Care Program Ant-Stigma Campaign to talk with Airmen, and share his story of overcoming a mental illness while delivering an important message to troops.

"The Freedom Care Program is a program set up for men and women who are suffering from substance abuse, mental anguish and things associated with them," said Walker. "It was setup so that they can come to treatment and be among their peers. It lets them know there is someone out there who cares."

Though Walker battled his illness after returning from professional football, for Airmen dealing with mental health issues is something that does not have to be career threatening.

"My visit today was to let service members know that there is no shame in asking for help," said Walker. "The problems they face today may cause problems within themselves."

Mental health issues, whether big or small, are something that should not be dealt with alone.

"As Airmen, we try to fight through things and not ask for help," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Woods, 2nd Medical operations Squadron substance abuse counselor. "It is ok to ask for help."

Woods explained that seeking help is something Airmen do not have to be ashamed of nor do they have to worry about it affecting their career.

"The only way a mental illness can affect someone's career is if it hinders your abilities to perform your duties," he said. "If someone is going through a hard time, asking for help will allow a person to get better before the problems or symptoms get out of hand."
There are many options and services available to service members when dealing with mental illness.

"We offer various services such as counseling, psychological testing and evaluation, substance abuse counseling and education," said Woods. "If a member needs extensive treatment, we refer them to military programs."

One message the two-time Olympian hopes Airmen took away from his visit was that it is never a bad thing to reach out and seek help.

"To be able to come to Barksdale is great," said Walker. "To be able to share my experiences is wonderful because if I can help one person who is suffering, it means the most to me. I know how it feels to be in that dark place and you think there is no one out there. It helps people see the light that there is help out there."