“Life is tough … it’s even tougher without a wingman” Published Sept. 15, 2008 By Senior Airman Amanda M. Dick 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- In a recent commander's call, Brig. Gen. James J. Jones, 55th Wing commander, stressed the importance of the wingman concept at the end of the 101 Critical Days of Summer and heading into the holiday season. To help Team Offutt stay in the wingman mindset, the 55th Wing will host Wingman Days Sept. 24-26. This year's Wingman Days slogan is "Life is tough, it's even tougher without a wingman," and focuses on how to be a good wingman to co-workers. "Overall, Wingman Days are about being there for your co-workers, friends and family," said Billie Gaines, Airman and Family Readiness Center director. "It's about supporting and lending a helping hand without being asked. It's about leadership and friendship. It's about team. And, it's about taking care and watching out for others in our Air Force family." Tech. Sgt. Justin D. Rouhoff, 55th Maintenance Squadron NCO in charge of fuels support, said being a good wingman helps keep each Airman mentally and physically fit to fight with the high tempo and manning reductions of the Air Force. "We are continually asked to do more with less, and a good wingman ensures we all can answer the Air Force's demands safely," the maintenance troop said. This yearly event is a time to recognize and remind Team Offutt members of how to be better wingmen and to thank those who have set the example, according to Ms. Gaines. "The term 'wingman' stems from a time honored tradition within our Air Force flying community that essentially says a lead pilot will never lose his or her wingman," Ms. Gaines said. "It's a promise between Airmen that fly." At Offutt, Ms. Gaines said the goal is to "cultivate and instill this same culture" in every Offutt member. To help encourage this culture here, several team building events will be available to all Team Offutt members Sept. 24-25 at various times and locations around the base. Events include Geo Trekking, Wingman Relay, Rising to the Top and Magic Carpet. In addition to these events, a "Beat DUIs" event will take place all day Sept. 24-25. Team Offutt members will have the opportunity to "beat" a wrecked vehicle. During this event, each person will also be able to sign the hood of the vehicle as a pledge to help support Offutt in the fight against driving under the influence. "This is a two-fold message," the readiness center director said. "First, we at Offutt are working hard to change the culture of alcohol related incidences. Second, by hitting the car, the individual is making a commitment to be a good wingman in the fight against DUIs." Examples of those who are good wingmen in the fight against drunk driving are the Airmen Against Drunk Driving volunteers, said Airman 1st Class Camber N. Valdes, AADD president. "It is very important to be a good wingman especially when alcohol is involved because by doing so, you just saved a life," the contracting specialist said. "Whether by simply answering a phone call, picking someone up and driving them home or choosing not to drink so you can drive home, it's a chance that wasn't taken and a person portraying the very definition of a wingman." Wingman Days will culminate with an address by keynote speaker Dan Clark. Mr. Clark, author for "Chicken Soup for the Soul" and former college football player, will speak to Offutt members both military and civilian about what team work and leadership mean at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in Dock 1 of the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility. For more information on this year's events, call Billie Gaines at 294-4329 or Vicki Bautista at 294-5977. To register for an event contact your squadron representative or visit https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/offuttwingman.