Wingman Day takes over Laughlin

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sara Csurilla
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The majority of the Laughlin community showed up at the base picnic Oct. 22 to celebrate Wingman Day, making it a massive event.

Each year Laughlin members join in on one of the newer U. S. Air Force traditions and test their teamwork by participating in activities and games for the significant day.

Wingman Day was adopted by the U.S. Air Force in 2004 to celebrate the wingman concept of Airmen helping Airmen.

"Our Airmen are Team XL's greatest strength and most valuable resource," said Col. John Doucette, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. "Without our people, we are no more than technology without purpose and weapons without will. Wingman Day is an opportunity to re-cage our focus on our roles as Airmen and Wingmen; to recognize the importance each one of us plays in the wing's daily operations."

To start wingman Day off with a bang, a squadron vs. squadron scavenger hunt began Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. to help promote wingmanship, teamwork and help squadrons gain points toward the overall Wingman Day competition.
To gain points toward the competition squadrons also participated in a Fastest Runner's challenge and a Tug-of-War challenge right after the base-wide Fitness Esprit De Corps events at 6:45 a.m. on the flight line.

After Fitness Esprit De Corps events ended, Airmen transitioned to their units and began their unit-based Wingman Day activities.

The base picnic started at 2 p.m. and was open to all Airmen and families. The picnic included many activities, including the 47th Security Forces Squadron's K-9 demonstration, numerous children's games and food.

The winner of the scavenger hunt was the 47th Force Support Squadron, the 86th Flying Training Squadron took first place in the Tug-of-War challenge, the fastest runner was 1st. Lt. Aric Wagner from the 86th FTS and the 47th Operations Support Squadron took first place overall for all Wingman Day events.

"We're one team and one family," said Colonel Doucette. "Your individual and our collective well being is important enough to pause our day-to-day mission to refocus on safety and foster a culture of responsible choices. I'm proud of the decisions you make and the hard work you invest to make this the best wing in AETC," he continued. "Use this day to step back and take a look at how you, and those around you, prove everyday...America's Airpower Starts Here."