COMREL office holds inaugural essential oils class, builds community

  • Published
  • By Staff Agencies
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Team Misawa’s Public Affairs community relations office held their first-ever, free essential oils class, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 12.

The event’s goal included connecting Airmen and families with a shared interest in healthy lifestyles while building on the social pillar of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness.

The Air Force’s CAF model includes four components: mental, social, physical and spiritual. The initiative encourages Airmen to revitalize their mind, engage in healthy habits with others, work out their body and ground themselves in a purpose. These life strategies lead to an Airman’s optimal performance.

“I wanted to find a way to promote a healthy internal community,” said Senior Airman Sadie Colbert, a 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs and community engagement specialist. “When our service members and their families live in a supportive community, they’re able to work more effectively.”

Colbert said the idea to start the class sparked when she attended several small community events hosted by the 35th Force Support Squadron and Misawa Outdoor Recreation. Here she first saw on-base community members enjoying various board games and playing music together, while meeting new people.

The class offered participants a brief education on three different essential oils—lavender, peppermint, and lemon—and their primary uses.

“I enjoy essential oils because they have many effective uses such as being a natural sleep-aid and helping with focusing for studying,” said Alice Mizer, a Misawa area language instructor and essential oils guide.

Mizer provided members an opportunity to experience some essential oils by having participants waft, taste and feel the effects of peppermint oil.

“It was awesome,” said Senior Airman Dylan White, a 35th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. “I came away feeling enlightened and informed. I didn’t expect the sensory effects to happen so quickly; I enjoyed that part.”

The members received a free sample, and kept the essential oils spray and roller balls they made while attending the class.

“Many of us are far away from home and it can be intimidating to get yourself out there to meet new people,” said Colbert. “My goal is for more people to connect, make new friends and have a healthy community they can thrive in, by continuing to promote small events such as this.”

To inquire about putting together small community events, call the 35th FW PA office at DSN 226-3075.