SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Scott Airmen and civilians participated in Wingman Day Friday as a way to form tighter bonds among Airmen and co-workers, reinforce the values of safety and wingman culture, and boost morale.

"This is about taking care of each other," said Col. Stephen Oliver, 375th Air Mobility Wing vice commander.
Colonel Oliver and Chief Master Sgt. James Suttles, 375th AMW command chief, spoke to hundreds of Airmen Friday morning in Hangar 1 to begin Wingman Day.

Colonel Oliver told Airmen they were needed by their families and their country, and thanked servicemembers for their work. He also emphasized the Year of the Air Force Family and safety basics.

During Wingman Day squadrons at Scott discussed responsible alcohol use, safety at home, at work and on vacation, identification and intervention with troubled Airmen, suicide prevention, sexual assault and domestic violence response and prevention, and responsible decision making.
In addition, each organization came up with its own fun ways to unite as wingmen.

Chief Master Sgt. Tanya Yahn, 375th Medical Support Squadron superintendent, said her organization ate a late lunch together and played team building games.

Master Sgt. Leslie Burnam, 375th Security Forces Squadron, said his squadron participated in a "ruck march" scavenger hunt and watched "We Were Soldiers."

Col. Gary Goldstone, 375th AMW commander, said Wingman Day was a success and he will review feedback from the units on how to make the next one just as effective.