An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

The 438th Air Expeditionary Wing focuses on wingman

  • Published
  • By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Vladimir Potapenko
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan --  The 438th Air Expeditionary Wing held a "Wingman Day" meant to encourage resilience--the ability to withstand, recover and grow in the face of stressors and changing demands--among NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan troops working on the Afghan Air Force Base in Kabul, Afghanistan Jan. 13.

Comprised of group discussions and a two mile group run, "Wingman Day" is a reminder to service members that everyone in a deployed environment is responsible for the safety and well being of one-another, said U.S. Air Force Maj. James Boddy, the Wing Safety officer with the 438th AEW, and the coordinator of the event.

During group discussions, troops were asked to share opinions and experiences about the proper way to help a distressed soldier, sailor or Airman, helping educate those involved on how to be proper "Wingmen," said Major Boddy.

A great deal of focus was placed on the four quadrants of wellness: physical, social, mental and spiritual, and how a good balance of each can be achieved.

"Because of the operational tempo of a deployed environment, people sometimes forget that one of our major responsibilities is to look out for the men and women we work with, and to make sure that they are operating at a good level both personally and professionally. 'Wingman Day' is a great way of refreshing that idea in everyone," said U.S. Army lieutenant Uthai Klambut, a communications officer with the 438th AEW.

"I think it was a success. We were able to get good inputs and examples of situations people have faced in the past. It was a growing experience," said Major Boddy.

Following the discussions, members if the 438th joined together to have a snowy two mile group run around the AAF Base, doing so with cheers and words of encouragement to all participants.