Commentary -- What have you done for your Wingman today?

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Richard Ward
  • 71st Mission Support Group deputy commander
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  What have you done for your Wingman today?

Have you been there for your Wingmen when they needed help?

This is what we all should be asking ourselves every day. The most important defense to battle through life's significant challenges is each other. It is your responsibility to look out for the Airman on your left and right whether they are military or civilian.

This doesn't mean you have to be a specialist in counseling or financial planning. You do need to know them well enough to identify when something is different and they need some help.

It all starts with the simple question, "Are you OK?" quickly followed by, "What can I do to help?"

I see outstanding examples of great Wingmen throughout the Mission Support Group every week. A Wingman has a critical responsibility that should be constantly reinforced and improved.

That responsibility is so important that the Air Force mandates we stop all work and spend several hours training twice a year to be good Wingmen. The topic for this fall's training is "resiliency."

Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from stressors and challenging situations. How resilient do you think you are? Make the most out of Wingman training time because you may be the one who needs it!

Last year, this wing met all mission demands while overcoming several inspections, possible furlough, civilian hiring controls followed by a hiring freeze, extreme weather with record heat and cold, outside runway repair -- and the list goes on and on.

With the exception of inspections, this new fiscal year looks to be no different. The Air Force is working through extremely challenging budget cuts for fiscal year 2012 and beyond. This means we all will be getting the job done with what we have, or most likely, with less.

Be ready for an increase in stressors in your work areas. Just as they did last year, your squadron mates will need good Wingmen to rely upon.

As we start this new fiscal year, take a moment to reevaluate what you have done as a Wingman for your fellow Airmen. Step forward to lend a helping hand or ask that simple question.

Don't ignore warning indicators and assume that someone else in your squadron will do the right thing. Don't hesitate to take the car keys from your Wingman who may have had too much to drink. These are but a few examples of what you should be doing as a good Wingman. Now more than ever, we all must watch out and take care of each other.

Before you pack up and head home each day, take a moment and ask yourself, "What have I done for my Wingmen today?"