Wingman culture reinforced at MAFB

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, gives some remarks during a burger burn at the Northern Lights Chapel here as part of wingman day Sept. 18. The 5th Bomb Wing event, which coincided with the Air Force’s 62nd birthday, was held as a means to strengthen the morale and welfare of each unit by empowering and encouraging Airmen to not only become great wingmen, but future leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright)

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 5th Civil Engineer Squadron closes in on the finish line during a group flightline run as part of wingman day here Sept. 18. The 5th Bomb Wing event, which coincided with the Air Force’s 62nd birthday, was held as a means to strengthen the morale and welfare of each unit by empowering and encouraging Airmen to not only become great wingmen, but future leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright)

Wingman culture reinforced at MAFB

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- 5th Security Forces Squadron training flight personnel clean a three-mile section of highway 83 as a part of Wingman Day here, Sept. 18. The 5th Bomb Wing event, which coincided with the Air Force’s 62nd birthday, was held as a means to strengthen the morale and welfare of each unit by empowering and encouraging Airmen to not only become great wingmen, but future leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Ballard)

Wingman culture reinforced at MAFB

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE N.D. -- Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Flemming, 91st Missile Wing command chief, speaks to young Airmen about the importance of the whole Airmen concept at one of the classes offered during wingman day Sept. 18. The 5th Bomb Wing event, which coincided with the Air Force’s 62nd birthday, was held as a means to strengthen the morale and welfare of each unit by empowering and encouraging Airmen to not only become great wingmen, but future leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron-Forrest Wainwright)

Wingman culture reinforced at MAFB

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airmen take part in a base barbeque as part of a team-building exercise called Wingman Day here, Sept. 18. The 5th Bomb Wing event, which coincided with the Air Force’s 62nd birthday, was held as a means to strengthen the morale and welfare of each unit by empowering and encouraging Airmen to not only become great wingmen, but future leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Veloz)

Wingman culture reinforced at MAFB

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Senior Airman Matthew Beers, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron structural apprentice, crosses the finish line during a flightline run as part of wingman day here Sept. 18. Airman Beers took the top time of the day with a time of 8 minutes and 40 seconds. The 5th Bomb Wing event, which coincided with the Air Force’s 62nd birthday, was held as a means to strengthen the morale and welfare of each unit by empowering and encouraging Airmen to not only become great wingmen, but future leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright)

Wingman culture reinforced at MAFB

Published Sept. 22, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Minot active duty, civilians and dependents came together for an Air Force-wide Wingman Day here Sept. 18.

The event, which coincided with the Air Force's 62nd birthday, was held as a means to strengthen the morale and welfare of each unit by empowering and encouraging Airmen to not only become great wingmen, but future leaders.

Minot senior leadership took a moment to speak with their Airmen at a barbeque hosted by the Northern Lights Chapel. They hit specifically on the importance of the Airman's Creed and how it affects the daily lives of all Airmen, "I am an American Airman, I am a Warrior, I have answered my nation's call ... I am an American Airman: Wingman, Leader, Warrior."

"Wingman Day is a special event," said Col. Michael Spencer, 91st Missile Wing vice commander. "Is being a wingman more important than being a leader? How's your wingmanship?"

Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, echoed Colonel Spencer's feelings about the day. However, he put extra emphasis on personal accountability.

"While wingmanship is important, keeping track of our personal lives is just as important," he said. "Our wingmen act as a safety net. Therefore, we need to be personally responsible for our own actions."

Minot Airmen enjoyed an early morning flightline run, followed by classes at the education center, the Jimmy Doolittle Center, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, and the Health and Wellness Center throughout the morning.

"Knowledge is power," said Airman 1st Class Michael Vanhooser, 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron convoy response force leader and Wingman Day volunteer. "These classes give us something to think about for the future."

The Future is not something taken lightly in the Air Force. Airman Vanhooser understands the importance of planning for the future, much like his leadership, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff.

"The heart and soul of our Air Force is not found in the platforms we operate or the technologies we employ; it is in our Airmen and their families," General Schwartz said to Airmen and their families in a recent letter for the Air Force's birthday. "The future of our Air Force rests in their hands, and for us to succeed we must ensure the well-being of our Total Force Airmen, civilians and their families."

While the chief of staff cares for his Air Force as a whole, instructors of the Wingman Day classes were able to take time to care for Minot's Airmen on an individual level.

"Our Airmen benefit in a way that works on self-improvement activities and gives them the opportunity to meet other individuals building a sense of comradery," said Reagan Lantz, 5th Medical Group Family Advocacy outreach manager and Wingman Day instructor. "Supporting days like Wingman Day, emphasizes the importance of our Airmen and shows them our appreciation for what they do on a 24/7 schedule in defense of our nation."

Colonel Westa showed his gratitude for all Minot Airmen when he said:

"I appreciate each and every one of you. What you do for this installation and the Air Force reinforces what it means to live in a wingman culture. Thank you."