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Wingman Week: Airmen taking care of Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Matkin
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Personnel assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing took part in Wingman Day activities Aug. 19 and 20, and provided Airmen of all ranks the opportunity to recharge and reform the bonds of teamwork that are essential in the Air Force, particularly in a deployed environment.

"The purpose of this past week's activities was to ensure we know who our Wingmen are," said Master Sgt. Brian Graybeal, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing first sergeant, assigned here on a one-year tour. "Stress is a natural reaction to situations, particularly in our profession. We have more than 9,000 servicemembers, Coalition partners and Department of Defense civilians deployed here from all over the world, and although we cannot slow the operational tempo, we can provide our Airmen the support they need at all times."

Wingman Days was a way to help foster direct and open dialogue among commanders, supervisors and Airmen. Group discussions focused on many different themes; for example, stress, suicide prevention, safety, sexual assault, unprofessional relationships, and underage drinking, just to name a few.

"Having the chance to discuss issues that have been affecting me and my Wingmen helped remind me of what is really important - the mental and physical well-being of each and every one of us," said Senior Airman Glenn LeBoeuf, 379 AEW client support administrator, who is deployed here from Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

The Air Force's Wingman culture helps ensure each individual has at least one other Airman to lean on and use as a support system. The 379 AEW promotes the Wingman culture at all times by placing an emphasis on teamwork and communication.

"Having a good Wingman is absolutely crucial, especially here," Airman LeBoeuf, a native of Gray, La., said. "I look after my Wingman and they look after me. It's just another set of eyes protecting you."

During this past week's Wingman activities, 379 AEW Airmen attended commander calls, participated in flight- and unit-level working groups, physical fitness and team building activities.

"The activities helped remind me to focus on the team concept and operate more effectively as a group rather than individually," Airman LeBoeuf said. "It reminded me that when one member of our team is facing a challenge, they can count on their Wingman who will always be there to help; it is Airmen taking care of Airmen."

Wing personnel ended the Wingman festivities with a base-wide barbecue in Memorial Plaza hosted by the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander with the help of 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron personnel. More than 500 people gathered at the event to feast on barbecue and build upon the foundation of the Wingman mindset. 

"Coming together to enjoy the company of others who share a common goal really solidifies the synergy of this base," said Brig. Gen. Stephen Wilson, 379 AEW commander. "This is how the Triangle 'K' wins wars and why we are known as the 'Grand Slam Wing.'"