CAF: Retired Chaplain talks spiritual resiliency in the face of adversity

Rev. Bill Libby, McMurry University assistant professor of religion, approaches the stage at the base theater Nov. 24, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. During a Comprehensive Airman Fitness resilience briefing, Libby recounted adversities he endured and overcame throughout his life and military career. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant/Released)

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CAF: Retired Chaplain talks spiritual resiliency in the face of adversity

Airmen listen as Rev. Bill Libby, McMurry University assistant professor of religion, speaks during a Comprehensive Airmen Fitness brief Nov. 24, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Libby, a Vietnam War veteran, served as a U.S. Army chaplain for 30 years. During the Vietnam War, his units came under attack by the Viet Cong, which led to the bloodshed of 54 soldiers. He used tools that are taught for spiritual resiliency to overcome the events and others throughout his life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant/Released)

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CAF: Retired Chaplain talks spiritual resiliency in the face of adversity

U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Beasley, 7th Bomb Wing vice commander, greets Rev. Bill Libby, McMurry assistant professor of religion, Nov. 24, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Libby, a retired U.S. Army chaplain, spoke about his personal loss and tragedy during a Comprehensive Airman Fitness brief, which highlighted spiritual resiliency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant/Released)

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CAF: Retired Chaplain talks spiritual resiliency in the face of adversity

Published Dec. 5, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Rev. Bill Libby, McMurry University assistant professor of religion, spoke during a Comprehensive Airmen Fitness (CAF) event organized to explain the importance of spiritual resiliency Nov. 24, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

Libby, a retired chaplain and Vietnam War veteran, served in the U.S. Army for 30 years. He experienced trials and perils throughout his life and military career. One included witnessing his unit being attacked by the Viet Cong, which led to the bloodshed of 54 soldiers in Vietnam.

According to the Air Combat Command CAF website, the spiritual pillar of resiliency strengthens a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain an individual's sense of well-being and purpose. Libby's story was one of personal loss and tragedy. His main point was not to focus on times of adversity, but to get through those difficult times by using inner strength and support from others.