JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland mission partners will break away from daily operations Monday to reinforce the Wingman Concept for winter.
Wingman Day, dedicated to the Air Force Core Value of "Service Before Self," focuses on taking care of each other as members of the Airmen's corps.
The event begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Bob Hope Theater with a series of presentations emphasizing the Wingman Concept.
In the afternoon, individual units will hold briefings, question-and-answer sessions, and team building exercises.
"The Wingman Concept is watching out for each other regardless if we're on or off duty, and noticing any time there's a change in behavior," said Tech. Sgt. Roshied White, event coordinator, 502nd Air Base Wing Operating Location-A ground safety technician. "A wingman knows you, talks to you, figures out your demeanor and moods, and knows when something is wrong."
The morning session features special guest Steve Verret, "the Cajun Comic," a comedian with more than 20 years experience in traffic safety and health-related topics.
A safety expert, Verret's comedy material will focus on suicide prevention. Verret will make additional appearances at JBSA-Randolph and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. Wingman Day will also feature "Street Smart," firefighters and paramedics who share their real-life experiences.
During Street Smart presentations, rescuers take audiences through their experiences as they work to save the lives of people who've made poor choices. Street Smart presentations often cover underage drinking, drunk driving, illicit drugs and the importance of wearing seatbelts.
"Additional topics will touch on stress relief, communication avenues, motorcycle safety, sexual assault prevention and awareness, and family activities," said White.
Base support organizations will have information materials available at the event. Representatives from the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Lackland Outdoor Recreation Center, the 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department, Cape Fox motorcycle safety, the JBSA-Lackland Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, 502nd ABW OL-A chaplains, and the JBSA-Lackland fitness centers will be available.
Organizations will augment Wingman Day with unit-specific team building activities, following afternoon briefings and question-and-answer sessions.
"With the commander's approval, the units can do anything that involves being together. The idea is for Airmen to build new relationships within their unit," White said.
White said emphasizing the Wingman Concept prior to Thanksgiving is a chance to reach more Airmen before the holiday season begins and stress levels peak.
"Wingmen need to be aware of the signs. We need to be there whenever someone is having a difficult time," he said. "Safety is about education and prevention and that's our goal for Wingman Day - prevention by knowing your wingmen."