MOHAWK VALLEY INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING IN RETIREMENT | MVILR
Air Force veteran Joe Johnson, MSW, shares practical strategies and mindful meditation ahead of Veterans Day.
ROME, N.Y. — Difficult conversations are unavoidable. Losing your cool doesn’t have to be.
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Joe Johnson, MSW will lead “Respond, Don’t React: Practical Strategies for Dealing with Difficult People” for the Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement (MVILR).
Joe Johnson, MSW, retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, yoga instructor and Rotarian.
Johnson served 26 years in the Air Force and is a retired clinical social worker, yoga instructor, and Rotarian. Drawing on his military experience, social work background, and community involvement, he will share ways to defuse tense situations, recognize emotional triggers, set healthy boundaries, and communicate more effectively. Participants will also be introduced to mindful breathing and guided meditation.
With Veterans Day just eight days away, the workshop takes on special significance. Johnson has a particular interest in supporting veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bringing a perspective on stress, resilience and responding calmly under pressure.
WHEN & WHERE Tuesday, November 3, 10:45–11:45 a.m. | Festine Auditorium, MVCC Rome Campus, 1101 Floyd Avenue, Rome.
ADMISSION Free and open to the public; no reservations required. Ample parking and accessible facilities.
MORE INFORMATION MVILR.org | 315-334-7761
MEDIA CONTACT
Dawn Laguerre | Media and Publicity, MVILR | 315-266-7548 | laguerremedia@gmail.com
PRESS PHOTOGRAPH
Joe Johnson, MSW
Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant | Social Worker | Yoga Instructor | Rotarian
Photo caption: Joe Johnson, MSW, will lead MVILR’s free November 3 workshop, “Difficult People? Learn to Respond, Not React,” at the MVCC Rome Campus.
Media contact: Dawn Laguerre | laguerremedia@gmail.com | 315-266-7548
