Wingman day unites team

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Vernon Fowler
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Members of the 6th Air Mobility Wing spent the day building resiliency and promoting unity among service members during Wingman Day March 1 at MacDill Air Force Base.

The Air Force constantly emphasizes "service before self" as a key core value. Airmen are taught their Wingmen are one of the most important components to the mission and to always look out for one another.

"Wingman Day is about being part of a team; it's an extended family," said Lt. Col. Sean Jones, commander of the 6th Force Support Squadron.

The day began in Hangar 3. Everyone arrived in physical training gear with their spouses, children, and other family members. Some even decided to bring their dogs along for the fun.

Shortly after, the keynote speaker, retired Chief Master Sgt. Lewis Singleton, walked onto the stage to give an inspirational speech on resiliency to all the service members in attendance.

Singleton said that life can delay you from achieving what you want, but only you can deny yourself.

The main event, the 5k walk/run, began at 9:30 a.m. Morale was high as service members took to the course with their families and pets. Those individuals who finished ahead of the pack, gathered at the finishing point to cheer on the others who were still arriving. A highlight of the day consisted of watching young children begin to sprint once they realized that they were closing in on the finish line.

"Wingman Day is about the whole family concept," said 1st Lt. Sandra Glidewell, 6th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Services flight commander. "Family is the most important thing."

After the run, everyone was released for the day to their own separate squadrons for barbecues and other team building activities.

Overall, Wingman Day provided a positive atmosphere for service members and their families to enjoy stress-free fun. Airmen working together was the focus of the day. United wingmen increase mission effectiveness.