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AFCA builds 'culture of responsibility'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  In Basic Military Training, trainees are taught to always have each other's back. If an Airman is falling behind another Airman should help them catch up or if an Airman is doing something wrong another Airman should help them get back on track. 

For the Airmen who are out of BMT, the wingman concept is not as prevalent. Airmen report for duty and go about their expected tasks but may not know much about their Wingmen. For some Airmen who have a problem, this could create a feeling that they have no where to turn to. 

The Air Force Communications Agency, like any unit, undergoes deployments, stress and having to perform several functions. In an effort to change the stress, AFCA stopped everything and went back to basics by hosting Wingman Day Aug. 7. 

"The goal of Wingman Day was to strengthen the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do, inject a culture of responsibility and renew discipline and ensure that everybody has someone that they know well enough and trust to mentor, care and trust in," said Col. Carl Williamson, AFCA commander. "A Wingman is a true Airman who is there for you and your family and can understand what you are going through as another Airman." 

The day began at 7 a.m. with a meeting about what a Wingman is. Then AFCA ran a two-mile formation run. After the run, AFCA personnel participated in volleyball, dodgeball, ultimate Frisbee and touch football. Afterward, they divided into small groups and performed exercises and activities to get to know each other and solve personal problems as well as problems within the unit. A commander's call followed to present quarterly awards and recognition. The Airman and Family Readiness Center also provided a briefing on the proper venues for seeking help. Lastly, Airmen were told to go home and sit down with their families. 

"Families are also your Wingman; no Airman could be where they are without their families," said Colonel Williamson. "It is important tell them how you feel and thank them." 

The AFCA Airmen gave positive feedback about Wingman Day. 

"It is not everyday that you see Airmen walking down the halls sharing their lunches," said Colonel Williamson. "The Airmen have requested that we hold a Wingman Day on a monthly basis. Now every month, we will try to perform a group activity such as a formation run or a lunch." 

The object of Wingman Day was to be proactive rather than reactive and improve morale.
"We have prevented more than we think," said Colonel Williamson.