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Library > Fact Sheets > Air Force Wingman Program
AIR FORCE WINGMAN PROGRAM
Posted 10/29/2009
Printable Fact Sheet
The Air Force established the Wingman program to encourage Airmen and their families to look out for each other and to intervene when signs of stress are observed.
The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Wingman Support Coordinator serves as the point of contact for providing guidance and education on adopting the Wingman culture and integrating the Wingman concept into unit activities. This office is also responsible explaining the principles of the Wingman "BOLD FACE" concept and the dimensions of wellness. The Wingman Support Coordinator can be reached at (937) 257-7272, or via e-mail at 88ABW.CVK@wpafb.af.mil.
What is a Wingman?
The term Wingman stems from a time-honored tradition within our Air Force flying community that essentially says a lead pilot will never lose his/her Wingman. It's a promise, a pledge, a commitment between Airmen who fly. The Air Force wants to cultivate and instill this same culture of commitment between all Airmen and Air Force civilians in all career fields and specialties via the Wingman program.
BOLD FACE actions
Also borrowed from the aviation community, "BOLD FACE" actions are the steps necessary to promptly and completely deal with in-flight emergencies. They are committed to memory by pilots to ensure a methodical, consistent approach to a hazardous situation. The lessons learned after a suicide indicate the "in-flight emergency" signs were present, but not addressed by fellow Wingmen. If those Airmen knew the 4 basic steps of the Wingman "BOLD FACE" they would have:
1) Assessed the desire for self harm
2) Assessed the means for self harm
3) Assessed the status of the 4 dimensions of wellness (Physical, Emotional, Social, Spiritual)
4) Stayed on their Wingman's wingtip until a positive hand-off was complete (In other words, don't leave the Wingman alone, hand over to a supervisor, first sergeant, commander, and/or other helping agency.
While suicide prevention is an important objective, the Wingman program is much broader than that.
Be Alert, Get Involved, and Take Action!
Airmen at all levels of command have a role as Wingmen. Commanders bear responsibility for the total welfare of their assigned personnel, including the physical, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. They recognize when their people need help and know where to send them to get it. Supervisors are the first line of defense for the well being of the people they supervise. Often they are in a position to spot the first signs of trouble and are in the best position to listen and engage. All Airmen are encouraged to lead by example -- to be good Wingmen, by taking care of themselves and those around them -- and taking action when signs of stress are observed.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Integrated Delivery System
The mission of the IDS is to integrate helping agencies into one seamless team that provides assistance to active duty military, Reservists, family members, DOD civilian employees and retirees. The IDS is committed to improving the delivery of family services, prevention and education activities at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The IDS helping agencies include:
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Treatment Program (ADAPT) - 257-4121.
American Red Cross - 257-9876
Chaplain Services - 257-7427
Employee Assistance Program - 904-2807 or (800) 222-0364
Family Advocacy - 257-6429
Family Member Programs - 257-2644
Airman & Family Readiness Center - 257-3592
Health & Wellness Center - 904-9355
Mental Health Clinic- 257-6876/6877
Military Equal Opportunity 257-5028
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator - 257-7272
Victim Witness Assistance Program - 257-6142
Wingman Support Coordinator - 257-7272
Be a Wingman! Changing the culture starts with leadership, but depends upon all of us!
Fact Sheet Point of Contact:
88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
(937) 522-3252
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