Spangdahlem hosts Wingman Day Published Nov. 4, 2008 By Senior Airman Clay Murray 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- This year, Spangdahlem Air Base will be taking part in the annual Wingman Day Nov. 7. Originally designed to be a suicide prevention initiative in 2004 by former Air Force chief of staff Gen. John P. Jumper, the event has evolved into something larger. "The purpose of Wingman Day was to step back from the normal mission and apply the wingman concept of looking out for one another," said Maj. Beatrice Chapa, Integrated Delivery Systems chairperson. "Wingman Day has now evolved to include more than just suicide prevention. The purpose now is to focus on making responsible choices in all aspects of life: spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially." With the focus on unity and morale, Sabers can be sure that Wingman Day is going to address items that concern them. "The real benefit of Wingman Day is in strengthening the morale of the unit," Major Chapa said. "The day is intended to encourage units to build relationships between co-workers as well as focus on individual needs. By building relationships, our wing enhances the wingman concept so that when an individual really needs that wingman he/she knows who they can rely on." The theme this year for Wingman Day is 'good leadership is good prevention.' "In line with this theme, the wing's helping agencies, through IDS, have come together to provide a variety of seminars on prevention topics," Major Chapa said. "The goal is for everyone to have the opportunity to attend a seminar of their choice and experience what the helping agencies have to offer." The schedule for Wingman Day is as follows: 9 a.m. All personnel report to their individual units for Wingman Day Intro. A. Introduction brief and video clip from Col. Tip Wight, 52nd Fighter Wing commander given to Airmen. B. Wingman Day schedule distributed to squadron members. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Personnel attend seminars during time allotted, and other groups remain at squadrons to complete the following: A. Occupational Stress Inventory surveys issued by 1st sergeant or unit safety representative. B. Safety Climate Assessment Surveys online at: https://www.afcast.org/mainpage.aspx. Instructions also provided by 1st sergeant or USR. C. Flights complete team building exercises. D. Collect lessons learned. 10 - 11 a.m. Time Block one - mission support group Note: Other groups remain at squadron. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Time Block two - operations group, munitions maintenance group, medical group, fighter wing staff Note: Other groups remain at squadron. 1 - 2 p.m. Time Block three - maintenance group Note: Other groups remain at squadron. F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots and F-16 Fighting Falcon flightline maintainers - A. Pilots are slated to attend the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon operations mishap brief during block two. B. All F-16 Fighting Falcon flightline maintainers attend the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon maintenance mishap brief during block one or three in the base theater. 2:30 - 3 p.m. Wingman Day squadron wrap-up at individual unit locations. A. Intent is for a unit level commander's call to conclude and re-emphasize wingman concept. B. Review lessons learned and funnel from flight commanders to squadron commanders. 3:30 p.m. All personnel convene on ramps one and two. Note: Base command post broadcast the Wingman Day motto, "Attention all Saber leaders and wingmen--good leadership is good prevention," and, "Sabers--seek, attack, destroy!" 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. Fighter wing commander led one and a half mile flightline fun run along a premarked course. Individuals run at own pace and not as a unit. Note: In the event of inclement weather, run will be cancelled in lieu of individual fitness training.