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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) — USAFE’s top leaders say the newest Command and Special Interest Program, Combat Wingman, launched successfully and is gaining altitude and airspeed throughout the command.
General Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong, commander, United States Air Forces in Europe, and Chief Gary Coleman, USAFE Command Chief Master Sergeant, agree that while the program is off to a good start, future efforts will continue to revolutionize the program.
“Our Air Force family has many members,” said Gen. Foglesong.
“Combat Wingman is our way to ensure we all are looking out for each other, from the lowest ranking Airman all the way to the top. We all need someone looking out for us.”
Airmen, civilian workers and family members throughout Europe have committed to each other, and many are now carrying the Combat Wingman card.
“We built a Wingman card that’s being used throughout the command,” said Capt. Rita Perez from USAFE Commander’s Action Group, who helped launch Combat Wingman. “We estimate over 21,000 members have formally become part of the Combat Wingman team by filling out a card.”
Chief Coleman credits the Wingman standdown day Nov. 8 with really bringing the Wingman program into focus.
“The chance to take a day to step back and listen to one another, value interpersonal relationships, and identify members of the larger team by name — that was big. I think it really helped us come together even more as a force,” Chief Coleman said.
Future events will reinforce Combat Wingman.
“The wings are all actively looking for ways to make the program more user-friendly so it’s not a mechanical or must-do kind of thing,” Chief Coleman added.
“Wingman Wednesdays” are now occurring at base facilities throughout USAFE. These involve special discounts on fun activities and non-alcoholic beverages during set periods for those possessing Wingman cards and accompanied by their Wingmen. “This incentive program began at RAF Mildenhall but is quickly being adopted by other bases,” Capt. Perez said.
Increased participation in Combat Wingman will occur naturally as new folks join the USAFE Team.
“We need to continue to educate those members who are in-processing our bases about the program and its benefits” Chief Coleman said. “The next step is to make sure we have a system in place that maintains Combat Wingman’s current momentum especially as we approach our high personnel turnover season.”
General Foglesong agreed, adding “As we bring in new people, we’re also looking for new ideas for the program that we can share with other bases and ultimately export to other commands. ’Checking six’ and caring for our teammates truly is a never-ending process.”
