As a chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, Chad VanCleave-Goff has a long and distinguished military career. He serves as a mentor and coach for service members and their families, helping them deal with life's hardships or prepare for deployment.
But it took courage and strength for VanCleave-Goff to seek that same kind of support for himself. For 22 years, VanCleave-Goff hesitated to seek mental health services due to stigma, particularly in the military. He credits his husband, Adam, with helping him overcome his fear.
“It was Adam who knew just how bad I was hurting both mentally and physically,” VanCleave-Goff says. “He said the right words at the right time for me to finally seek professional help. I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and have received amazing therapy from a dynamic military mental health team.”
This year, VanCleave-Goff was the project lead and planner for the 2024 USAF First Sergeant Worldwide Conference. As he approaches his 23rd year of service, he remains committed to making a difference. “Every day in uniform is another day to make a difference in the life of another,” he says. @usairforce
