LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
In the 1986 Hollywood movie, "Top Gun," a Navy pilot played by actor Tom Cruise is called "on the carpet" by his flight instructors for not following orders during a training scenario. One instructor ends his admonishment by saying..."you never, ever leave your wingman!"
In today's real world Air Force, the Wingman concept goes beyond those who fly. It's a program designed to build resilient Airmen, by encouraging bluesuiters and their families to look out for each other and intervene when signs of stress are observed.
It's a promise, a pledge, a commitment.
The Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, is reinforcing its commitment to its 'Silent Warriors' by conducting its second Wingman Day Nov. 17, in the AFISRA Headquarters auditorium.
"People have to understand that we care," said AFISRA Command Chief Master Sgt. Rick Ricker. "It goes back to the saying, 'your Airmen don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.'"
To that end, AFISRA is presenting former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (#12) Eric W. Benken. As the CMSAF, he was the adviser to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on matters concerning the welfare, effective utilization and progress of the enlisted members of the Air Force.
Benken entered the Air Force in 1970 when there were no sponsorship programs or Family Readiness Centers. Families had to pull together on their own when they went on a permanent change of station.
"As the Air Force evolved, we realized the importance of taking care of families and each other," Benken said. "The Wingman concept is particularly important today with the continued stressors associated with deployment and combat. We do a much better job today than in the past. However, we can never lose sight of our most important resource - our people."
A key element of the Wingman mindset is safety. Benken believes another area also deserves our utmost attention.
"The marked increase in suicides is one of the major challenges facing (Air Force) leadership today," he said. "It's critical we all take this issue very seriously; that we educate ourselves on all aspects of suicide prevention; that we know where help can be obtained; and, that we know our people well enough to detect changes in behavior that may be someone's attempt to reach out for assistance."
During his presentation at AFISRA headquarters, Benken will emphasize how the Air Force core values of integrity, service and excellence came about.
"The publication of our core values in 1997 were the result of some introspective soul searching and a need to bring our force back to center," Benken said. "It isn't a pretty story, but from a historical perspective, it's important we don't repeat our mistakes."
Following the chief's presentation, AFISRA co-workers will break out into small discussion groups focusing on skills and strategies related to health, mission performance and unit cohesion.
An hour-long team building exercise will conclude the Wingman Day activities.