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379th Air Expeditionary Wing Wingman Week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing participated in Wingman Week here Oct. 21 through 27. 

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." 

"The objective of this week's activities is ensure we are able to answer the question 'Who is your Wingman?'," said. Senior Master Sgt. Talib Abdulkhabir, 379th AEW Military Equal Opportunity. "Stress is inherently a significant aspect of our profession. We have more than 5,000 Airmen deployed here from all over the globe and while we cannot currently relieve the tempo of deployments, we can work to provide our Airmen the support they need to carry their load by being in tune to the total welfare of our greatest asset." 

Wingman Week helped foster direct and honest dialogue between commanders, supervisors and Airmen of all ranks. Discussions took place in large and small groups, and focused on the following themes: stress, suicide prevention, safety, sexual assault, unprofessional relationships, underage drinking, drinking and driving, domestic violence and solidifying the relationship of our core values with being a good Wingman. There were also team building sports events throughout the week. 

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 by placing an emphisis on teamwork and communication. 

"Wingman Week is designed to enhance our Airman's ability to make responsible choices and to look out for one another'" he added. 

"We should know when our wingmen need help, and where to send them to get it" Sergeant Abdulkhabir said. 

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. 

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 how 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." 

"I felt like we received some great training between the Chapel, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and the Airman Readiness Center," said Ch. (Lt. Col.) Gary Ziccardi, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. "I think we got some good cross feed between our organizations on how to better help Airman here." 

"Intentionally taking the time to focus on important things and the taking the time to get to know ourselves and our wingmen better helps us to work together better as a whole," he said. "Our team building really solidified because of Wingman Week." 

"Ultimately training is not enough, we must take action," Sergeant Abdulkhabir said. "This week's small group discussions and reiteration of standing safety measures and human relation policies was designed to place extra emphasis on Airmen taking care of Airmen. 

"By staying in touch and being aware of problems that commonly occur, wingmen can spot problems before they escalate into potential dangerous situations," he said.