ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airmen from the 97th Air Mobility Wing and Jackson County Health Department hosted a workshop for base and city of Altus community members, known as U-Night, Feb. 25, 2021, at the Southwest Technology Center in Altus.
U-Night is a quarterly event that provides attendants the opportunity to focus on themselves in an environment that unites Airmen and residents within the community. This quarter's workshop focused on the five different love languages and tips for a healthy relationship.
“U-Night is a play on words and these quarterly workshops are held at night, focus on the individual, and are a way to unite our communities here in Altus by focusing on health and wellness,” said the U-Night coordinator Judith Mott, 97th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. “Several base agencies and employees of the Jackson County Health Department were responsible for the creation of U-Night. Each workshop features speakers from the base and community while local businesses provide the funding for refreshments. Additionally, Southwest Technology Center generously donates the use of their seminar room.”
Event participants received the opportunity to listen to a guest speaker during the event. Derek Kirby, Jackson County Memorial Hospital clinical therapist, spoke on the different love languages and healthy relationships.
“The amazing thing about love languages is that we receive all of them,” said Kirby. “All five of our love languages work together and compliment each other, some we just favor more than others.”
Kirby further explained how everyone uses all five love languages when receiving love from others, but the most important and valuable aspect of a relationship is time.
Chris Hargis, 97th Air Mobility Wing community support coordinator, 1st Lt. Benjamin Riley, 97th AMW chaplain, Victoria Cleveland, JCHD wellness coordinator, 2nd Lt. Cameron Silver, 97th AMW Public Affairs officer, and Mott also volunteered to present on the different love languages.
Mott explained how the goal for next quarter’s workshop will focus on resiliency vulnerabilities.
“U-Night is a new thing, but those involved see it becoming a staple of the community, one that unites the community and promotes healthy ways of thinking and living,” said Mott. “I love being involved in this committee and seeing how much everyone cares. People and businesses have really stepped up and are willing to donate time, knowledge, money and space. Altus is a community that truly cares.”