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Team McChord launches first virtual Wingman Day

By SrA Sara Hoerichs, 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published May 27, 2020

Staff Sgt. Ryan Miller, 62nd Airlift Wing protocol specialist, takes a virtual class during Wingman Day at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., May 21, 2020.
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Staff Sgt. Ryan Miller, 62nd Airlift Wing protocol specialist, takes a virtual class during Wingman Day at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., May 21, 2020. Wingman Day classes were virtual for the first time at McChord due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mikayla Heineck)

Staff Sgt. Brian Daniel, 62nd Maintenance Group quality assurance, left, and Steve Monchack, McChord Auto Skills Center technician, right, streams an auto mechanics class for Team McChord’s first virtual Wingman Day at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., May 21, 2020.
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Staff Sgt. Brian Daniel, 62nd Maintenance Group quality assurance, left, and Steve Monchack, McChord Auto Skills Center technician, right, streams an auto mechanics class for Team McChord’s first virtual Wingman Day at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., May 21, 2020. Nearly 1,000 Airmen participated in virtual Wingman Day, kicking off the day with a video message from wing leadership then transitioning into their choice of the 16 available virtual classes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sara Hoerichs)

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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --

Team McChord held its first virtual Wingman Day here, May 21, moving the typical in-person morning classes and afternoon unit activities online.

Wingman Day, held a few times a year, provides an opportunity for Airmen to connect with their peers to improve resiliency and strengthen bonds within units. While past events included a commander’s call, classes and various team-building activities, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the usual large group format was not possible. 

“In light of our current climate, this Wingman Day was more important than ever,” said Master Sgt. Ann Gwaltney, Wingman Day planner. “The virtual format allowed for our active duty members, civilians and family members to participate in resiliency focused classes while observing social distancing.”

Nearly 1,000 Airmen participated in virtual Wingman Day, kicking off the day with a video message from wing leadership then transitioning into their choice of the 16 available virtual classes. While all focused on building resiliency, class subjects varied to interest everyone. From positive parenting techniques, finance basics and healthy cooking to auto mechanics and working out at home, everyone could learn something new.

While the pandemic has changed the way things are done, it has not affected Airmen’s ability to connect with each other.

“I am so proud to see the growing connection between Airmen and families and the tremendous challenges we have overcome because we are connected,” Col. Erin Staine-Pyne, commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing, said.

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