Dr. Paul Wade, 169th FW Director of Psychological Health

Dr. Paul D. Wade, the director of psychological health for the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C, speaks to South Carolina Air National Guardsmen about suicide prevention at the Medallion Center in Columbia, S.C., during the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program seminar Sept. 18, 2015. The Y.R.R.P. provides resources for SCANG members and their families during deployment cycles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Ashleigh Pavelek/RELEASED)

Swamp Fox Airmen receive psychological director's support

Published Sept. 28, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Ashleigh S. Pavelek
Airman 1st Class Ashleigh S. Pavelek

MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. -- Dr. Paul D. Wade, the director of psychological health for the 169th Fighter Wing, recently offered his confidential support here to more than 1,400 Airmen.

"I provide confidential support and a myriad of resources for a number of issues that Airmen do not even know are out there," said Wade, who supports the commander's staff.

Wade took his position recently. He is a retired Air Force master sergeant with nearly 22 years in service. He was last responsible for 42,000 Soldiers through 13 states as the suicide prevention program manager for the Army's 99th Regional Support Command.

"He knows what type of stress the operation can bring, and he can identify with Airmen," said Lt. Col. Brian Bohlman, wing chaplain. "He provides a broad spectrum of resources for holistic care and it is good to have him as a full time referral source at McEntire."

Wade is a certified suicide prevention expert and works with the chaplains office for applied suicide intervention skills training - the next two-day course, Sept. 29-30, certifies Airmen to recognize signs of suicide and intervention techniques. He also collaborates with the chaplains during the relationship conflict and self-discovery course.