Wingman Day

Col. Tim Fay, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, briefs Airmen during a Wingman Intervention Day event at the Chapel 2 annex on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 27. The event taught participants skills needed to help fellow Airmen, such as how to effectively engage a coworker who may be having problems, and guide them to the resources that can help resolve the issue. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad Warren)(RELEASED)

Wingman Day

Lt. Col. Robert Odell, 2nd Bomb Wing chaplain, briefs Airmen during a Wingman Intervention Day event at the Chapel 2 annex on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 27. Wingman Day is an Air Force event to help build the concept of Airmen helping Airmen in times of need, as well as helping to build a rapport with one another. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad Warren)(RELEASED)

Wingman Intervention Day

Published Sept. 29, 2011
By Senior Airman Chad Warren
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale Airmen took time from their day to discuss ways to become better wingmen during Wingman Intervention Day Sept. 27.

The event, hosted by the 2nd Bomb Wing Chaplains office, was meant to educate all personnel on warning signs, available resources and when to call for help when dealing with fellow Airmen.

"The focus was to foster a Wingman culture by being a wingman to others as well as to ourselves," said Lt. Col. Robert Odell, 2nd Bomb Wing Chaplain. "This is accomplished by building a solid foundation through physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellness."

Wingman Intervention Day was instituted to protect the Air Force's most valuable resource, its Airmen, from preventable loss such as suicide.

Col. Tim Fay, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, spoke briefly during the event, stressing the importance of each and every Airman to the mission. This is especially true during times of low manning in the Air Force such as now.

During the event, Airmen first attended a large briefing informing them of the purpose and goal of the day. Afterwards, participants were broken down into small groups within their units for a much more in-depth, interactive discussion lead by chapel trained facilitators. In these sessions, Airmen were presented with hypothetical scenarios and instructed on the best course of action to take in order to best help their wingmen. These small groups teach participants the skills needed to help a fellow Airman, such as how to effectively engage a coworker who may be having problems and guide them to the resources that can resolve the issue.

Wingman Intervention Day served as a reminder to everyone that we are Wingmen first, and it is our duty to never leave a fellow Airman behind.
For more information on available resources, contact the base chapel at 456-2111.