Last week, IBCM hosted MAJ Meagen E. Sassman, Acting Executive Officer at Area Support Group Balkans, for a thought-provoking guest lecture on “The Role and Importance of Holistic Wealth and Fitness in Contemporary Times.”
During her lecture, MAJ Meagen E. Sassman emphasized the importance of investing in both others and oneself, highlighting how growth as a leader begins with personal development and extends through the mentorship of others. She discussed how critical constructive feedback is to improvement, not as criticism, but as a powerful tool to elevate performance and communication. Sassman also lectured on different communication methods and techniques, underscoring the need to adapt to diverse personalities and situations.
MAJ Sassman spoke about leadership through action — being a role model by living the values one teaches. A significant part of her talk focused on holistic well-being, particularly of service members, and how empowering them with knowledge can help them care for their physical, emotional, and nutritional needs. Major shared how she educates service members on maintaining proper nutrition and overall wellness, especially under stress.
Addressing the deeper needs of service members, she discussed spiritual readiness and how it’s often interwoven with coping mechanisms in high-stress or traumatic environments. She outlined actionable strategies for resilience, including building routines, seeking support systems, and maintaining physical readiness.
Toward the end of the session, a student asked about PTSD. MAJ Sassman acknowledged the weight of that question and offered insight into how trauma can affect service members differently. She stressed the importance of creating safe spaces, encouraging treatment without stigma, and equipping them to recognize and respond to signs of psychological distress.
📸 Event photos below
