GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- It's all about balance; understanding it, seeking it and maintaining it.
Like other
Air Force Reserve Command units, the 434th Air Refueling Wing participated Wingman Day 2013 here April 14.
Wingman Day is an annual event meant to foster interactive discussion related to the importance of comprehensive Airman fitness and the wingman as a mentor; Airmen taking care of Airmen 24/7, 365 days a year.
"We take an operational pause to focus attention on what's most valuable to the Air Force Reserve - our people, our citizen Airmen," said
Lt. Gen. James Jackson, AFRC commander. "To be an effective combat force, we need resilient citizen Airmen, who are capable of dealing with life's challenges."
This Wingman Day, the focus was on four different but intertwined pillars of comprehensive Airman fitness - mental, physical, social, and spiritual. The goal was to maintain positives in each one for overall wellness, resilience and balance.
"Although the theme for Wingman Day changes each year, the overall goal is consistent," said Chaplain (Maj.) Obadiah Smith Jr., 434th ARW chaplain, who helped coordinate Grissom's third Wingman Day. "In our fast-paced environment, the stand down gives squadrons the opportunity to slow down and reflect on what it means to be a wingman, to remind us that we need to take care of one another, to not overlook signs of stress in fellow wingmen and to take time to mentor."
Airmen from each squadron facilitated three-hour training sessions, where discussions focused on the four pillars and how Airmen relate them to their own comprehensive fitness.
The key points discussed for each of the pillars included:
-Mental: The ability to cope, liking oneself and approaching things in a positive way.
-Physical: Having the physical ability to do whatever one sets their mind to, meeting exercise goals, and eating right.
-Social: Maintaining valued friendships and relationships, having healthy boundaries, and the ability to sever unhealthy relationships.
-Spiritual: Remaining connected to the beliefs, principles and values that spiritually nourish and sustain a sense of well-being and purpose, which sometimes includes a purpose greater than oneself.
If Airmen feel a pillar is out of balance in their life, help is available.
"First of all, we encourage Airmen to look out for one another, and this means noticing when your fellow Airman is under stress and then utilizing the ACE method," said Alison Duncan, Grissom sexual assault response coordinator. "The ACE method involves asking (if they are thinking of hurting themselves), caring and escorting (them to get help).
"This includes utilizing the agencies available for help both on and off base," Duncan continued. "A good starting point is the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, chaplain's office and behavioral health services coordinator."
Mentoring was added to this year's theme, which expanded on the traditional view that mentoring is simply applied to professional development. According to the Wingman Toolkit website, Airmen can mentor their peers and a mentor supports and encourages personal growth, honest communication, maximizing potential, developing skills and seeking help.
"A good wingman really is a good mentor, willing to help fellow Airmen achieve and improve fitness in any area," said Jackson.
"I believe the critical message was to be there for your fellow wingman," said Master Sgt. Tanisha Silva, 434th Force Support Squadron services specialist. "Communicate, observe and listen. A wingman is 24/7, not just on a unit training assembly weekend."
Small group discussions allowed the members to apply the Wingman Day concepts and mentoring.
Teambuilding exercises rounded out the day, with groups like the 434th FSS choosing an activity that required Airmen to stay connected while moving a hula hoop from person to person. The 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron had its Airmen work as one on a scavenger hunt while encased in a giant band that held them together.
"The team-building component allows for a little friendly competition, a break from the normal routine," Duncan summarized. "It's a fun and creative outlet to build relational connectivity."
For more on how to be a resilient Airman, visit the
AFRC Wingman Toolkit.
The 434th ARW is the largest
KC-135R Stratotanker unit in AFRC. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.
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