What is Biofeedback? - Interview with Peer Coach Ali

To kick-off "Breath," the second topic of "Ron's Lessons in Resilience," StandFast Alliance's Senior Vice President of Programming, Katie Copeskey, sits down with Peer Coach Ali as she talks about what it means to be a peer coach for StandFast Alliance, what biofeedback is, and how to measure the effects of stress on the body through a computer software program called emwave. Live demo included!

Ali is a certified wellness professional, specializing in teaching, healing optimization, and health promotion. Through her life experiences, she has developed a great appreciation for the stress that service members and their families can face. She also works with cancer survivors through the YMCA, helping them to continue to find strength in mind, body, and spirit after their diagnosis. With a Master's Degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Ali is dedicated to developing a sense of community among individuals to empower them to be disciplined, stay positive, and incorporate a holistic approach to a healthier lifestyle. As an Army spouse whose husband has deployed to multiple combat deployments, Ali knows how important it is to be resilient and ready for life’s challenges, in and out of the service.

How to Shift into Productive Thinking

Want more ways to shift your thinking when your ABCs aren't working for you? Here's an article from Human Performance Resources in order to reframe our thinking to be more accurate and productive. This will round out the "Think" topic, the first of "Ron's Lessons in Resilience."

Resilience Foundations - ABC Model part 2

Have you been checking in on your ABCs? Have you noticed if your thoughts are leading to helpful or harmful responses? In this video, StandFast Alliance's Senior Vice President of Programming, Katie Copeskey, discusses the impact of the negativity bias on our thoughts and shares 4 tools for redirecting ourselves once we realize that our thoughts are causing ineffective responses to the situation. Listen along and share which tool works best for you!

Resilience Foundations - ABC Model

In this video, StandFast Alliance's Senior Vice President of Programming, Katie Copeskey, teaches us about our ABCs and no, we don't mean the alphabet!

This foundational concept will help us gain self-awareness which is a key component to master self-regulation. The ABC model allows us to be more in tune with our thoughts, emotions, and reactions. Stay tuned for the next video in this series where Katie talks about what to do when you realize that you aren't being as effective in your responses as you could be.

Resilience Definition and Katie Copeskey Introduction

In this video, StandFast Alliance's Senior Vice President of Programming, Katie Copeskey, tells us a little bit about her background and helps to explain what resilience is.

StandFast Alliance welcomes Katie Copeskey!

StandFast Alliance is excited to welcome Katie Copeskey to our Leadership Team. Katie will be our new Senior Vice President of Programming. She will be working in a variety of roles, such as developing our educational and coach training programs, identifying useful resources for our community, and contributing to our website and social media presence, among other things! Katie was born into a military family and is a military spouse. She has extensive experience working within the military community. She has personal knowledge of the unique challenges that come with a military lifestyle. With her master's degree in Psychology, Katie has contributed to the psychological well-being of military members as a Master Resilience Trainer-Performance Expert supporting the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program now known as the Ready and Resilient Program. She has also contributed to various research studies on PTSD and suicide ideation at Tripler Army Medical Center. Her extensive work experience, engaging personality, and deep love and admiration of the first responder and military family community make her a valuable addition to the StandFast team. You can learn more about Katie in her bio under the “Our Team” section of our website. Welcome aboard Katie!

Resiliency Optimization at Fort Hamilton Community Spouses Foundation

On November 21, 2019 StandFast Alliance spoke with the Fort Hamilton Community Spouses Foundation about resiliency optimization. We really enjoyed meeting all of you at Fort Hamilton and talking about the specific issues that military spouses face. We know a number of you were in the midst of relocating to another base and we hope some of the tools we provided were helpful during the transition.

FDNY CSU Monthly Peer Counselor Meeting

Thank you to CSU (Counseling Service Unit) of the FDNY for their invitation to StandFast to speak at their Monthly Peer Counselor meeting on November 1st. At StandFast, we understand the tremendous value of the peer connection.

It was very gratifying to see all the different ways in which you are reaching out and being of service to your brothers and sisters in the department. Thank you for all your ongoing work. We are looking forward to working with you in the future.

2019 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in New York City

StandFast Alliance would like to congratulate Team Bucca (a team of over 40 runners and walkers) for completing the 2019 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in New York City.

Over 30,000 runners and walkers participated in the event, which took place on September 29th.

Team Bucca donated over $2,500 for the event, which helps to honor and raise awareness of the sacrifices Stephen Siller, Ronald Bucca, Orio Palmer, and all other first responders and military heroes have made for us.

2019 9/11 RONALD BUCCA MEMORIAL LUNCHEON TRIBUTE

On September 11th, 2019, the annual Ronald Bucca Memorial Luncheon was held. The event brings together first responders, military, and their families to honor Fire Marshal Ronald Bucca and all other fallen first responders that made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11.

StandFast Alliance board members attended the event to support the community and speak about the benefits of biofeedback and the programs StandFast Alliance offers. 

Long Beach Waterfront Warriors 2019 Summer Visit

StandFast was honored to participate in the Long Beach Waterfront Warriors 2019 Summer Visit. From July 14th-19th, Waterfront Warriors, in cooperation with the city of Long Beach, hosted members of the military and their family. The event was supported by a large number of volunteers, who annually provide wounded or ill military members and their families with an activity-filled week-long summer visit and a Holiday Weekend for Heroes. The event not only provides R&R for the attendees, but also honors and aids the military community.

StandFast was able to join them this year to provide a presentation on Resiliency Optimization. Additionally, group and individual sessions on HRV biofeedback training were provided to both participants and volunteers. A very special thanks to our own Corinne Strome and this great organization, the volunteers, and attendees for the work they do!

On 9/11 Anniversary, Stand Fast Alliance Announces Expansion of Resiliency Program

New York, NY (Sept. 10, 2018) – This week, as the nation marks the 17th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks, StandFast Alliance (SFA) is proud to announce the expansion of their resiliency training program to support and empower more first responders, military and their families. The program currently educates and trains individuals using various applied psychophysiology and biofeedback techniques to help them sharpen their mental performance, enhance decision-making skills and build resiliency, on and off duty. SFA also provides scholarships for training in HRV biofeedback to eligible law enforcement, first responders and military, who are interested in earning their certification to help others. For details about the program and how to apply for a training scholarship, visit StandFastAlliance.org.

SFA began its journey in 2011, when Eve Bucca, Executive Director of SFA, partnered with Rita Neidich and Friends of Firefighters (FoF) to pilot a program providing resiliency coaching to members of the FDNY. The seven years of partnership with FoF, have highlighted the potential benefits this program offers on a larger scale. SFA is excited to announce that they will be providing these valuable services to members of the first responder and military communities beyond the FDNY.

“Ron’s resilience as a soldier and firefighter defined his life of service; on September 11th, he was a combination of all his talents. Now, the organization wants to expand these opportunities to more of these brave men and women. I firmly believe that these empowering tools and techniques will improve the quality of life for members of these communities and save lives,” said Eve Bucca.

With the growth of this program, SFA is proud to welcome Rita Neidich, MS, BCB to the SFA team. Using applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, Rita’s coaching will focus on optimal performance training, overall stress and anxiety reduction, self-regulation, and improving quality of life. Her research of the effects of Peak Performance Coaching and Biofeedback with firefighters is the first of its kind. She is board certified through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA).

“Rita’s coaching and research has been an incredible asset to the firefighter community,” said Eve Bucca. “We’re excited to welcome her to our Stand Fast Alliance team to train and empower more first responders and military in the New York area and around the country.”

In addition to providing personalized coaching, SFA scholarships will cover access to HeartMath’s The Resilience Advantage™—Building Stress Resilience and Optimizing Performance, Building Personal Resilience™ HeartMath’s Coach/Mentor Program, and Add Heart Facilitator™ Programs.

If you’re a member of the media who wishes to learn more about StandFast Alliance and its programs, please contact Executive Director Eve Bucca at info@standfastalliance.org.

About Stand Fast Alliance

Family and friends established StandFast Alliance to honor the legacy of Fire Marshal Ronald Bucca, who proudly served with FDNY and the U.S. Army for more than two decades. On 9/11, Ron climbed to the 79th Floor of the South Tower to assist civilians and fight the fire at the point of impact when the building collapsed. On that day, Ron was a combination of all his talents; when facing the ultimate challenge, he stood fast and did his duty. In honor of his legacy, Stand Fast Alliance is dedicated to strengthening the resilience of first responders, military and their families by using various tools including biofeedback techniques to sharpen mental performance, enhance decision-making skills and build resiliency. For more information on Stand Fast Alliance and the impact of our mission, visit StandFastAlliance.org.

Acts of Kindness: 9/11 Ronald Bucca Memorial Luncheon Tribute

Tribute given by Ron's daughter on 9/11/2017

For the last sixteen years, we have held a luncheon in remembrance of my dad. On September 11th, 2001 we all know tragedy occurred around the United States. It was a life changing moment in so many ways. At the time, I worked in midtown Manhattan. The plan was that if something happened in the city, I was to go to my uncle's apartment and stay put for further instructions. My dad was very clear, if I heard sirens and emergency vehicles, he wanted me to walk the other way and get to safety. He was continuously looking out to see that we would stay safe. When we started traveling on our own overseas, he would print out the State Department reports for the country so we would know what to look out for. Even when it tested his patience, he remained calm. For example, in May 2001, my two friends and I decided we would hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and up in a day. When we got down to the bottom, there was a lightning storm and the three of us were worried about a possible flash flood. Fortunately, we found a campsite which had a pay phone, so, naturally, I called my dad.

"Hey dad, how's it going? So, theoretically, if you were at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and there was a lightning storm, how would you handle it? Hypothetically speaking, of course."

To which I heard a sigh and a great summoning of parental patience.

"Well, I probably would not talk too long in a metal phone booth."

Long story short, we survived but it was a great comfort knowing I could call my dad at anytime.

Then 9/11 happened and that safety net was gone. I had never felt so vulnerable in my life. But, sometimes from tragedy, good also arises. The fire marshals came and made sure someone stayed with us every night until my dad was found. Family surrounded us and our family grew. After the first anniversary, this luncheon began in remembrance of my dad. The act of sitting and eating and telling stories reminded me of a big Sunday dinner with the family. Every year, the luncheon grew in size and it was a remembrance of my dad but it also became a reunion of family, like people we had not seen in awhile and were excited to talk to and catch up. Then the luncheon grew even more in size to include military and members that both my dad and brother served with. Through this luncheon, relationships were formed and connections were made. Connections between the fire department and military formed. The luncheon isn't just a remembrance of my dad, it's a family reunion and family is what helped us grow stronger in a time of vulnerability.

It can be the small or big acts of kindness that had made the difference. Whether it was driving down from New Hampshire or flying in from Kansas or just taking time from your day to be here makes us thankful for your support. In this day and age with so many man made and natural disasters and where people are at their most vulnerable, it is important to come together, like a family, and support each other. My dad was all about making the world a better place. 

The Resiliency of Ron: 9/11 Ronald Bucca Memorial Luncheon Tribute

Tribute given by Ron's daughter on 9/11/2015

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My dad was a resilient man and he instilled that in our family from a very early age. Whenever my brother and I would get upset that something was not going the way he wanted, he would impart his words of wisdom…or dad “isms” if you will. “You have to bend like a reed in the wind” meaning, you never break but you can be flexible. Another popular one was “You just need to go with the flow”. Sometimes by doing that, you figured out another way to do what you needed. 

Most people have heard the story of how my dad became the “Flying Fireman”. For those of you who don’t, I’ll give a brief recap. In 1986, he fell 5 stories off a fire escape trying to gain access to a building during a fire. He broke his back but while on the stretcher, he told my mom he would be back to work in a year and he was true to his word. Most people don’t know what went on during that year but it taught me an incredible amount about resiliency. 

During that year, my dad became Tetris champion. We had recently gotten Nintendo much to mine and my brother’s excitement. However, we did not realize we would have to fight my dad for playing time. He really got into trying to fit those Tetris pieces into the puzzle. He also got to the highest level of the Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? computer game. We’re going back a few years but it was a game where you had to try and figure out where Carmen San Diego was hiding around the world by the clues that she left. When he was a bit more mobile, he started to help me train for the annual mile run at my elementary school. It was a really big event at the school and I was determined to improve my time. So my dad would take me down to the local track and practice running with me. I think it was as good for him as it was for me. The day of the race he ran along side me and I didn’t win first but I had a personal best time. The most important part for me was when I was really tired during the race and wanted to slow down and walk, I would look at my dad next to me and it made me determined to do my best. I apparently was not the only one inspired by my dad because after a year, when he returned to work after his accident, he contributed to the fitness program at the Rock because a number of people had said how inspiring his recovery had been.  

My dad could have given up after the accident. He could have laid around and felt sorry himself but that’s not who he was. He kept him mind going with Tetris and Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? He set challenges for himself and when he met the challenge, he created his next one. And I very clearly remember my dad still being silly and goofy and keeping his sense of humor. If something wasn't great, he would flat out say it and then laugh at himself. This taught me resiliency. This taught me there is more than one way to do something. It also taught me that resiliency comes from within and from without. My dad had the tools within him to help him move forward but he also had a good support network. My mom believed in him. My brother and I believed in him. His family believed in him. I’d like to think it was a combination of all those things that made him stronger and able to move forward. It’s made us, as a family, able to move forward even when he is not with us. 

StandFast Alliance Donates New Ford Escape to Fire Family Transport Foundation

“I wanted to thank you for donating the transport car. My cousin Rob (Retired Engine 33) was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer two months ago and we have been lucky enough to have access for transportation. It’s been helping a lot of families. The Bucca transport car is very popular on Staten Island. My cousin was so excited to have access to it. It made him feel like he still has the FDNY connection, which he does.”

— Jim Flanagan

On Veteran's Day (November 11, 2014), we dedicated a new Ford Escape to the Fire Family Transport Foundation. FFTS assists families of firefighters in their times of greatest need, in transporting firefighters, family members and department personnel to and from medical institutions both for care and family support. We are happy to say that in 2018 the Bucca Transport Car is still actively serving the fire community.

Our donation was inspired by the support that Ron and our family received in 1986 after his on the job fall while serving with Rescue 1. Transportation assistance was an invaluable help to him and our family during his long recovery. We're proud the Bucca Transport Car will now help other FDNY families in their time of need.

We thank and honor all of those who searched through ground zero during those dark days and those who continue to protect and serve.