Wingman Day a success at Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kelly LeGuillon
  • 435th Public Affairs Office
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Airmen across the KMC participated in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Wingman day Nov. 21.

The purpose -- to strengthen the morale and welfare of units by devoting time to building relationships between co-workers, examining organizational strengths and vulnerabilities, and planning for the coming year.

"We set this day aside to ensure every unit and staff stops their daily routine and openly discusses issues important to them -- as individual Airmen, but also as a team," said Col. Don Bacon, 435th Air Base Wing commander. "With the high ops tempo at Ramstein, it is easy to get caught up in busy tasks and work."

The most effective activities from Wingman Day 2007 were team building activities, small discussions, sharing real-world experiences and promoting interaction between Airmen of all ranks. So, for Wingman Day 2008, these types of activities were encouraged.

Social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness were the focus of the day. Events included a 5K run, activities at the Health and Wellness Center, sexual assault awareness open house, cleaning up the base and housing areas, and a financial readiness education.

"We must ensure we pause to not only take care of ourselves, but also those around us. Wingman day is a day we can take a pause and reflect on how we are doing and how well we are taking care of each other," Colonel Bacon said. "People are the most important part of the Air Force, and some reflection makes us stronger."

Promoting the Culture of Responsible Choices program, units participated in discussions focusing on responsible drinking, effective suicide prevention and safe practices at home, at work and on vacation.

Overall, the highlight of Wingman Day was the opportunity for small group discussions among co-workers. The discussions allowed Airmen who work together to get to know one another better and discuss unit issues.

"My favorite part of the day was the opportunity to have a candid discussion with my peers concerning how they really feel about the subjects of sexual assault, responsible drinking, suicide prevention and wellness," said Senior Airman Michael Perez, 86th Airlift Wing intelligence analyst. "The positive response to this underscores the fact that Airmen are wising up and realizing they are not invincible and that leadership sees them as people and not just billets."