Offutt implements Operation HeRO Published Sept. 24, 2019 By L. Cunningham 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Operation Health and Readiness Optimization, or Operation HeRO, is a new Air Force Health Promotion initiative that is being implemented this fall by the 55th Medical Group’s Health Promotion Office at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Operation HeRO is intended to improve the health and readiness of Airmen by bringing initiatives to them in their unit work centers that help them solve personal challenges. The HPO and 55th MDG plan to team up with unit commanders to implement the campaign. Their goal is to improve nutrition, sleep, physical activity habits, and tobacco and alcohol behaviors of Airmen and help them understand how these affect mission readiness. “Operation HeRO is meant to solve problems in areas Airmen may need additional focus on,” said Col. Gavin Marks, 55th Wing commander, “and the health and wellness of our Airmen is one of my highest priorities. Our readiness depends on being physically and mentally resilient and this program will help with that.” The HPO is striving to create an environment that encourages healthy behaviors and providing members with the tools, knowledge and the support necessary to improve in the areas they need to most. To achieve their objectives, the HP office is compiling data to identify the largest threats to Team Offutt’s health and readiness. Additionally, this data is being used to tailor plans specific to each work center to bring awareness to areas requiring immediate attention. Team Offutt members will be asked to complete pre and post campaign surveys when their unit is partnered with HPO. The data being collected will be used as a benchmark for comparison as the HeRO campaign progresses. “It’s important for leaders to know they do not have to wait until we partner with them to start making a difference,” said Roger Nelson, HPO director. “We already have classes, programs and services available after normal duty hours to improve the health and readiness of their troops.” A special program the HPO provides is called the HeRO Challenge. It provides recognition for those who demonstrate commitment to their health and readiness and the well-being of others by completing a body composition appointment, taking eight HPO classes and a volunteer event. “We greatly appreciate commander’s support of this program,” said Nelson.