Be a Wingman who makes a difference Published Aug. 18, 2010 By Col. Michael Hornitschek 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- There is no doubt that our Airmen are performing at an intensity level not found even a few years ago. Deployments, exercises, the day-to-day mission--much depends on the ability of our Airmen to perform consistently at high levels for success. That intensity is recognized by a culture that celebrates excellence and success, and the Air Force does a great job of preparing us for various responsibilities and leadership opportunities. Equally important -- and equally demanding of our energy, skills and abilities -- is the capacity to foster and maintain successful relationships as spouses, parents, and friends. Sometimes we fall short of our own expectations to manage both work and home equally well. Sometimes we may feel like we're failing or things just aren't working out despite our best efforts. In a culture that celebrates success, it can be hard to admit that we may need help. This is a great concern for me and I'm asking for your help in addressing this issue head on with all our energy. I want us to focus on maturing the Wingman culture. This goes hand in hand with embracing the Five C's of Comprehensive Airman Fitness: Care, Commit, Connect, Communicate, and Celebrate. These behaviors are necessary to build a community of resilient Airmen. As a good Wingman, we must internalize these behaviors and be one who cares for and connects with our people -- we need to know them, know what's going on in their lives, and be in a position to help at all times. The Air Force does a good job of training us to watch for behaviors and warning signs that a person is or has reached a breaking point and the appropriate interventions to take. However, we may not be able to distinguish "the final straw" that would trigger a sudden decision for someone to try to hurt them self. If we have open lines of communication, our personnel feel connected and they know we care about them, perhaps they will be resilient enough to ask for help instead of seeking their own permanent solution. To help address these concerns, we have a robust support system with the Integrated Delivery System, an interconnected team of professionals from Airman and Family Readiness Center, Mental Health, the chapel, and a host of other helping agencies who are trained to provide quality guidance and counseling. In addition, I'm asking that we form an all-volunteer Wingman Formation -- a wing-wide, or even base-wide group of Airmen, service members, and civilians of all ranks who would like to come together to share their observations and bright ideas to develop plans ultimately supported by my office and its resources on how we can become Wingmen who make a difference. Those who would like to volunteer their time to address this issue should notify their supervisor or first sergeant. My goal is to stand up this dynamic group within a month or less, to provide some overarching vision, and then to just step back and watch them do amazing things. I think we can address some of what works and what doesn't with the Wingman culture and find ways to improve it. I believe we can make a positive impact on each other -- with work and home environments. I believe that together we can reach out better to those around us and help develop life skills to deal with our complex environments.