OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Every year, the 55th Wing takes time from the busy schedule of putting planes in the air, wrenches on bolts, and shots in the arm to celebrate the annual Wingman Day. This year organizers will focus on building camaraderie and resiliency within the Comprehensive Airman Fitness program on Nov. 26.
The Comprehensive Airman Fitness relies on four key pillars of mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness. It also focuses on the positive behaviors of caring, committing, connecting, communicating and celebrating.
"Wingman Day is about teambuilding and enhancing awareness of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness initiative," said Jack Sweet, 55th Wing community support coordinator. "Capt. Brenda Keitzer, Wingman Day project officer, did an excellent job. The day will consist of interactive sessions, sporting events and squadron hosted internal events to enhance unit cohesiveness. We also have sessions open to military spouses, as they play a critical role in the team concept, and we hope this improvement is well received."
The main speaker for the event will be Brian Fleming, a motivational speaker who was wounded by an explosion in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
"Hi," Fleming likes to say during his speeches, "I'm Brian. I got blown up. I guess I'm still here for a reason."
Fleming focuses on encouraging members of his audience to become strong leaders and to adopt an attitude of resilience toward the obstacles they face with a candid challenge to face their circumstances and demand unconditional victory in their own lives.
After Fleming speaks, many activities have been planned for Team Offutt to focus on the specific pillars.
Intramural sports tournaments will take place throughout the day including soccer, volleyball, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, bowling, racquetball, swimming and warrior run relays.
Twelve different classes will be held on topics from non-religious spiritual resiliency, alcohol and drug dependency, mental health, debt reduction, personality styles, emergency preparation and relationship communications. These classes will help Airmen strengthen their fitness pillars that aren't used on a typical basis.
Wingman Day is not designed to be the only morale event that squadrons host, but is instead a chance for the entire base to focus on the four pillars as interconnected systems, when one fails - the rest collapse.
"Our goal is to present a wide spectrum of topics in the most interactive and interesting way possible so our lessons have a greater value." Sweet said.
Airmen are required to attend the main event, one fitness program and one class.