Every day is Wingman Day

  • Published
  • By Gen. Don Cook
  • Commander of Air Education and Training Command
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  In December, we took a down-day to combat accidental deaths and suicides in the Air Force. However, Wingman Day was never intended to be a one-time “event.” Rather, it was a reminder to be good wingmen every day. The wingman concept extends to another issue we are confronting -- reintegrating Airmen into "home station life."

Very shortly, the Air Staff will release policy to assist commanders in effectively reintegrating Airmen after they return from deployments. As you may know from speaking with redeploying troops, their stress is real. Consider the Airmen performing the highly dangerous mission of convoy security or serving on critical care air transport teams for the seriously wounded. These courageous people have personally experienced the horrors of war, and they deserve the fullest support when they return home.

So with the arrival of the Air Force policy, it will be up to all of us to turn this guidance into action. We need to take care of Airmen returning from the taxing challenges of a deployed environment. How can you help?

First, commanders, emphasize face-to-face contact with your redeploying troops -- and set the example.

Second, have your Airmen take advantage of base agencies ready to support them and assist those struggling with reintegration.

Third, I ask you Airmen who have felt the hardships of reintegration to use your experience to coach and counsel those who have recently redeployed.

Fourth, first sergeants and supervisors should follow up. Research shows troops typically begin to manifest problems three to six months after they redeploy. Monitor this period closely to prevent challenges from becoming emergencies.

Finally, everyone, don’t forget about taking care of our families.

Reintegrating into family life after a deployment can be tough. I’ve been there. Often the only one who will know how an Airman and his or her family members are coping with reintegration is the Airman's co-worker or friend. Thus, every Airman must be a wingman. That is the culture of expeditionary-minded wingman!

And every day must be Wingman Day. We will lean heavily on this principle of airmanship as we answer our nation’s call to duty. We will be tested in the fire of expeditionary warfare abroad and the pressure of resource constraints at home -- all the more reason to integrate a wingman mindset into everything we do.