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***image1***Combat Wingman, U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s newest combat initiative, kicked into high gear Monday as 435th Air Base Wing units participated in team-building activities and social events to convey the wingman message.
“There was no limit to the ingenuity units employed to promote Wingman Day,” said Maj. Teresa-Ann Jones, 435th ABW Combat Wingman project officer. “The units’ efforts will benefit squadron members, those returning from deployments and newly-assigned members and their families transitioning into the KMC.”
Many units incorporated movie clips and role-playing to emphasize the significance of life issues. The 435th Medical Group held a “burger burn” for new wingmen and created a squadron “WingLead” program, giving each Airman a mid-level leadership vector for solving personal and professional issues.
In the 435th Civil Engineer Group, one squadron created “Wingman of the Week” trading cards, which include a wingman’s photo and contact information. Each Monday, unit members will randomly select a trading card bearing a new “Wingman of the Week” who will augment their personally-selected wingman.
Squadrons also displayed diversity in their selection of sporting events for the day with activities that included bowling, tennis, volleyball, hiking and strength training. The 568th Security Forces Squadron played a game of kickball to build and advance personal connections.
“As security forces we don’t have time to go out and bond because we’re on shifts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so this event gave us the opportunity to get together and show teamwork. ” said Staff Sgt. Joe Pietrazeck, 568th SFS assistant NCOIC of orderly room.
Wingman Day included more than just team-building exercises. Units conducted commander’s calls and presented briefings about the importance of looking out for one another.
Brig. Gen. Rosanne Bailey, 435th ABW commander and KMC commander, offered her words of encouragement to unit commanders.
“This is not a DUI, suicide, marital difficulty or stress prevention program,” she said. “Combat Wingman encapsulates all of these and much more by tending to the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of ourselves and others. We cultivate an environment that identifies “stress reducers and life improvers” and promotes a better sense of wellbeing.”
One way or another, the wingman message publicized the concept of caring for one another through personal accountability.
“The 435th ABW Wingman Day was a huge success,” said Major Jones. “The feedback we’ve received from Airmen across the wing has been positive. Supervisors at all levels are embracing this program and units are brainstorming innovative ideas to market Combat Wingman in their squadrons.”
