RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The toll that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan take on the emotional well-being of service members and their loved ones underscores the importance of mental health professionals in the armed services.
But seeing the signs of stress, whether or not they're related to the war effort, is not just the realm of these trained professionals; looking out for one another is at the heart of the Air Force's wingman concept, which encompasses both military and civilian personnel.
Wingman Day, an annual Air Force-wide observance that focuses on the concept of Airmen taking care of Airmen, takes place at Randolph today with a variety of activities related to Air Education and Training Command's theme this year: "Promoting Resiliency and Reducing Stigma."
"The Air Force chief of staff implemented Wingman Day in October 2004," said Maj. Jeremy Shadroui, 12th Flying Training Wing Wingman Day representative. "It's a day where you stand down and build camaraderie among the people you work with."
He said Airmen who have strong relationships in the workplace are more likely to see the signs of "risk factor" behaviors and take the necessary steps to help each other. Airmen who feel connected to their colleagues are also more likely to seek help.
"There are avenues to deal with mental health issues," Major Shadroui said. "Going to see a mental health professional is not a bad thing. It should not be stigmatized."
Maj. Brian Everitt, 12th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Flight commander, said the Air Force has role models who exhibit the characteristics of resiliency, which include "endurance, both emotional and physical; the ability to recover from adversity; moral excellence; ethical standards; and principles in action."
Among those heroes to emulate are the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey, and Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, he said. Chief Airey was imprisoned by the Germans during World War II and forced to march 400 miles; he later earned a Legion of Merit award in Korea. General Cornum, a flight surgeon during Desert Storm, was captured by the Iraqis when her helicopter was shot down.
"She maintained her spirits by singing to herself and living by the Code of Conduct," Major Everitt said.
Resiliency also applies to Air Force families, he said. Characteristics include commitment, family wellness, communication, appreciation and family time together.
"Resiliency is gained through our training, commitment to the core values, commitment to our families and serving with honor," Major Everitt said. "When stressors do start to overwhelm us, it is OK to seek help. Seeking help is a sign of strength and gives us the skills to endure greater stressors in the future."
Wingman Day will commence with kickoff briefs for senior leaders and squadron commanders at 7:30 and 8 a.m., but the day's events will begin at 9 a.m. for most 12th FTW personnel and will include mandatory safety briefings. Comedian Bernie McGrenahan, whose "happy hour" show at colleges combines stand-up comedy and an inspirational message that targets "high-risk" drinking, will present the safety briefings.
Personnel must also attend one of five seminars taught by helping agency representatives throughout the day.
The day will conclude with unit activities that promote team-building and bonding - from group discussions to bowling or golf outings.
"Small group break-outs are useful to discuss problems and issues," Major Shadroui said. "Or they can be entertaining - something to build esprit de corps."
An annual Wingman Day observance became part of the Air Force tradition in response to a skyrocketing suicide rate; it was implemented to nurture a culture in which Airmen take care of Airmen every day.
"I hope it gets the message out that not only is physical health important, but that mental health is important as well," Major Shadroui said. "People should have confidence in the resources that the Air Force has to offer and not be afraid of any stigma."
He said people are the Air Force's most important resource.
"We need to take care of people first," Major Shadroui said. "That's the sentiment of Wingman Day."