News>Geographically-separated unit hosts Winter Wingman Day, builds friendships
Photos
NATO AIR BASE GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany – Airmen from the 470th Air Base Squadron here talk about wingman responsibilities during Winter Wingman Day Nov. 4. Winter Wingman Day is an annual event that emphasizes the importance of looking out for fellow Airmen during winter months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon)
NATO AIR BASE GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany – Stephanie Wacaser, 470th Air Base Squadron mental health social worker, asks Airmen questions during a scavenger hunt as part of Winter Wingman Day here Nov. 4. Winter Wingman Day is an annual event that emphasizes the importance of looking out for fellow Airmen during winter months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon)
NATO AIR BASE GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany – Staff Sgt. Valerie Nelson, 470th Air Base Squadron paralegal, pulls a vehicle with assistance during a team-building event as part of Winter Wingman Day here Nov. 4. Winter Wingman Day is an annual event that emphasizes the importance of looking out for fellow Airmen during winter months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon)
by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
11/8/2011 - NATO AIR BASE GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany -- The 470th Air Base Squadron hosted Winter Wingman Day here Nov. 4 to ensure the small community takes care of each other during the gloomy days of winter.
More than two hours from their host unit, the 52nd Fighter Wing, 170 Airmen and civilians from the 470th ABS make up a small community of Air Force members supporting the NATO E-3A AWACS component mission.
"Winter Wingman Day reinforces the concepts of taking care of other Airmen," said Capt. Elisha Parkhill, 470th ABS Mental Health chief and Winter Wingman Day coordinator.
The event included briefings about safety and suicide prevention, small group breakout sessions about wingman responsibilities and team-building exercises.
"Since we are a small squadron separated from our support at Spangdahlem, we have to come together and be a family," Parkhill added.
The team-building events split the Airmen into seven teams, which allowed Airmen to get to know people from other flights and build bonds.
"Everyone here has a wingman they can go to and share concerns with," said Master Sgt. Molakai Teague, 470th ABS Medical Support Flight chief. "The day really helped strengthen the friendships I already have while making new friends."
One of the team-building exercises included a scavenger hunt, which led the teams to various agencies on the small NATO base.
"The scavenger hunt took the teams to places like the airman and family readiness center, mental health, the child development center and the chapel," Parkhill said. "The agencies all provide assistance to Airmen and their families, and under the wingman concept, Airmen now know where they can get their friends help."
The event closed with a barbecue, a tug-of-war competition and a truck pull, which tested Airmen's strength.
"The activities were a nice break from the office," said Senior Airman David Cook, 470th ABS reports and analysis clerk. "The day was fun, but ultimately, it brought us together as a family and reminded us how to care for each other."
