IPPW Brings Resiliency and Support to Pituffik Space Base

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jaime Sanchez
  • Space Base Delta 1, Public Affairs
The Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce recently visited Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, bringing essential resources and support to service members stationed at one of the most remote military installations in the world.

The visit aimed to reinforce the IPPW’s mission of proactively managing and preventing challenges affecting Guardians and Airmen — including mental health struggles, substance abuse and interpersonal violence. Additionally, the IPPW seeks to support the families of members stationed at Pituffik SB, ensuring they have access to necessary resources.

“The IPPW is an installation function, we are not just here for Space Base Delta 1,” said Nicholas Mowes, Space Base Delta 1 integrated prevention chief. “We are here for SBD 1 and their squadrons, operational deltas and mission partners.”

Given the isolation and operational demands at Pituffik SB, the IPPW focused on several key objectives during their visit. One primary goal was to increase awareness and understanding of mindfulness — encouraging personnel to take small but meaningful breaks, such as stepping away from their desk, going for a run or engaging in personal hobbies.

“Too often people get so caught up with their work, email and tasks for hours that they don’t realize their body is telling them they are hungry,” Mowes said.

Recognizing personal well-being can often be overlooked in high-tempo environments. Another focus was training new resilience training assistants, with five RTAs at Pituffik SB receiving training to equip them with tools to support their fellow service members. Additionally, the team aimed to foster a sense of community and teamwork, addressing the challenge of different operational units working closely together by promoting better understanding and collaboration.

Life at Pituffik SB presents unique difficulties due to its geographic isolation, extreme weather conditions and diverse operational culture. Harsh weather can disrupt communication, while the three-hour time difference complicates coordination with stateside leadership.

"The turnover rate here is constant," Mowes said. "By the time someone starts feeling proficient in their role, they’re already preparing to leave. That makes it even more important to establish a lasting framework of support and resources."

Rather than introducing new programs, the IPPW focused on reinforcing the message that Pituffik SB personnel are not alone and have access to continuous support. The team introduced the idea of a resiliency fair, with the goal of making it an annual event. This initiative would provide a recurring opportunity for personnel to connect with wellness resources and strengthen the base’s support network.

The IPPW’s visit to Pituffik SB highlights the importance of bringing preventative resources directly to service members, no matter how remote their location. By fostering mindfulness, training resiliency leaders, and promoting community engagement, the team is ensuring that Guardians and Airmen at Pituffik SB have the tools they need to thrive in a challenging environment.

To check out some of the resources available, please visit: https://www.petersonschriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Resources/ or call their office at 719-554-7545.