Wingman Day: Airmen taking care of Airmen...

  • Published
  • By Kent Cummins
  • 47th FTW Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AFB, TEXAS --  A day chock-full of activities aimed at fostering a culture of "Airmen helping Airmen" is slated for Thursday at Laughlin Air Force Base.

"Wingman Day allows Airmen to refocus their perspective toward effective risk management and taking care of one another ... a day-to-day objective for the Air Force," said Col. Laro Clark, 47th Flying Training Wing vice commander. "Through these daily measures, we work hard to keep our Airmen safe, healthy and mission-ready."
The Laughlin Wingman Day coordinator echoed the colonel's remarks.

"Although we should be Wingmen every day," said Sabrina Pena, Wingman Support coordinator, "this is a special day for building strong relationships within our units so when we face life challenges, we feel comfortable seeking assistance from our Wingman."

Wingman Day was born Oct. 14,2004, when former Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. John P. Jumper ordered an ongoing Air Force-wide Wingman Day program for bases around the globe.

Wingman Day, which is held annually on the last duty day prior to the Veterans Day holiday, not only helps Laughlin Airmen, but the people of Del Rio as well.

"Cultivating a 'taking care of your buddy' attitude spills over into the community," said Colonel Clark. "When you have people who are part of the community focused on helping others, it can't help but benefit our Del Rio neighbors."
During Wingman Day, Laughlin members will participate in numerous activities designed to foster teamwork.

"Wingman Day events are geared toward having fun while building lasting relationships and building skills that enhance our personal lives," said Ms. Pena.
The term "Wingman" stems from a time-honored tradition within the Air Force flying community that essentially says lead pilots will never lose their Wingman. In aerial combat, the basic operating element is the Wingman concept.
Colonel Clark said the concept can be applied to our everyday lives ... it's a promise, a pledge, a commitment between Airmen.

For more information about Laughlin's Wingman Day, check out the website at https://home.laughlin. af.mil/47ftw/support/mss/CAIB1.htm.