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Desert Eagle Team focuses on becoming better Airmen through wingman culture

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clark Staehle
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing participated in Wingman Week here June 10 through 16. 

Wingman Week is meant to emphasize the importance of Airmen helping other Airmen make responsible choices. 

"The bedrock of what makes Airmen good wingmen is our core values. Imbedded in integrity, service and excellence is the principle of respect ... respect for ourselves, respect for our Air Force and its values, and respect for each other," said Chief Master Sgt. Lloyd Hollen, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief. 

Chief Hollen said the Wingman concept is much bigger than a once-a-year event. 

"Being a good Wingman is taking care of each other seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," the chief said. "It's not just part of a slogan or catchy phrase, it's how we fight and win wars." 

Wingman Week helped foster direct and honest dialogue between commanders, supervisors and all Airmen. Discussions took place in large and small groups, and focused on the following themes: good order and discipline; safety mishaps and prevention techniques; the culture of responsible choice-making; and solidifying the relationship of our core values with being a good Wingman. 

The Air Force's wingman culture helps ensure each Airman has at least one other Airmen to use as a support system. The 379th AEW promotes the wingman culture at all times. 

"We know from mental health science that social support, the ability to reach out to someone for help when you need it, is a key protector of mental health," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Paul Wilson, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group Mental Health Clinic clinical health psychologist. "Those with good social support tend to have better mental health and better resiliency. One source of social support is the people we work with." 

Squadron commanders, chiefs and first sergeants implemented and personally guided their unit efforts using the 379th AEW Wingman Flight Plan. The plan calls for immediate supervisors to discuss key themes with their subordinates. 

"(Wingman Week) teaches Airman to focus on the total team concept and that we function and operate more effectively as a group rather than separately," Chief Hollen said. "Wingman week enhances teamwork, and when one member of our team is facing an issue or challenge they can count on their Wingman who will always be there to help." 

All Airmen attended commander calls during Wingman Week, followed by flight-level working groups, physical fitness and team-building activities. 

Wing leaders also stressed the importance of balancing mental, emotional and spiritual fitness. 

"One of the mottos of the Air Force Chaplain's service is that 'we are to be a visible reminder of the Holy,'" said Ch. (Maj.) Lloyd Woodbury, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. "I recently read where General George C. Marshall, U.S. Army once said 'the soldier's heart, the soldier's spirit, the soldier's soul are everything.' I believe General Marshall was correct. As Airmen we need to be not only physically, emotionally, mentally strong, but also spiritually strong if we are going to be fit to fight." 

Participating in Wingman Week accentuated the warrior ethos to all Airmen of the Desert Eagle Team.