Wingman Day highlights safety, teambuilding Published Dec. 1, 2009 By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Airmen here set their work duties aside for a few hours Nov. 25 to observe Fall Wingman Day. The day was set aside throughout the wing as an opportunity to discuss issues and topics relevant to Airmen and to spend time in a group setting with their squadron team members. "Our goal for this Wingman Day is to foster an 'Airmen helping Airmen' culture, which is why we're focusing on these small group discussions at the squadron level instead of a wing-level focus," said 1st Lt. Heather Boos, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron, and Wingman Day organizer. "The number of safety incidents, as well as DUI's, is higher than last year and we are only beginning to hit the holiday season. If even one single Airman can help someone out then we have made a difference." Topics up for discussion included alcohol misuse, sexual assault and domestic violence, suicide prevention and vehicle safety. Each squadron selected a peer leader to facilitate the discussions and encourage the free flow of information and ideas. "We want to make sure all Wingmen know the resources that are out there to help them make good decisions," Lieutenant Boos said. Each squadron commander was allotted ten coins apiece to give to Airmen who demonstrate acts of Wingmanship. Several have already been given out this year, she said. Wallet cards were also available as a reminder to Airmen to practice being a good Wingman. The day ended with team building activities that each squadron chose, including games, lunches and sporting events.