Wingman Day Provides the Tools to Build Resiliency

By Maj. Angelic Ramirez, SMC Public Affairs / Published November 07, 2014

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Los Angeles Air Force Base members participate in a scavenger hunt based on the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness philosophy during the Fall 2014 Wingman Day, Nov. 6. Wingman Day events begin with Wingman University, a set of activities and classes designed to build individual resilience skills and empower military and civilian Airmen to develop a healthier lifestyle through the CAF philosophy, followed by unit wingmen activities. (Photo by Sarah Corrice)

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Los Angeles Air Force Base members visit informational booths during the Fall 2014 Wingman Day, Nov. 6. Wingman Day events begin with Wingman University, a set of activities and classes designed to build individual resilience skills and empower military and civilian Airmen to develop a healthier lifestyle through the CAF philosophy, followed by unit wingmen activities. (Photo by Joe Juarez)

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Los Angeles Air Force Base held a "Wingman Day" to strengthen the foundation of trust and resiliency within the men and women working here, Nov. 6.

Wingman Day offers a break in the day-to-day work requirements and allows Airmen and civilian employees to focus on their own resiliency, to get to know their co-workers in a more relaxed setting and review the unit climate.

"SMC Wingman Day focused on our Air Force core values - integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do," said Community Support Coordinator Bryan Blue. "Air Force Core Values are the foundation of our service and we must be ever mindful of our duty."

The day's events reinforced the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness philosophy based on the Four Pillars of Wellness - Physical, Social, Mental and Spiritual. The goal of the philosophy is to help Airmen become more resilient, when you are more resilient, you are better equipped to deal with the rigors of military life, he said.

The Wingman activities included various guest speakers on the topic of resilience, team challenges, classroom activities, leadership forums, information booths and following the events units conducted their own team building activities.

"I hope the scheduled events allow the Airmen to grow become more resilient by sharing their experiences of adversity and survival," Blue said. "We also want people to learn what resources are available to help them and their families. Finally, we want to continue teaching the Wingman Concept and how our shared core values can bring us together more than drive us apart--No one should be afraid to ask for help. The great thing about our Air Force community is that we "Take Care of Our Own."