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Wingman Day focuses on CAF

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Frances Kriss
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Team McChord stood down normal operations May 10 to focus on being good Wingmen and the importance of Comprehensive Airman Fitness during Wingman Day.

The theme of Wingman Day emphasized the four pillars of CAF: mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness. The goal is to help Airmen, Air Force civilians and family members become more resilient and better-equipped to deal with the rigors of military life.

"Listen to all messages because you never know when you'll need them one day," said Col. Wyn Elder, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. "It's about the Wingman culture--it's not something you do, it's something we are."

During the first half of the day, Airmen gathered inside Hangar 3 and listened to several individuals speak about challenges they have faced during their lives and how they were able to bounce back.

One of the speakers, Master Sgt. Pamela Reidpath, 62nd Maintenance Operations Squadron, revealed her experience as a sexual assault survivor.

"I was a 34-year-old technical sergeant with 12 years in the Air Force," she said. "I was older and wiser, so when it happened, I never saw it coming."

Following the incident, Reidpath said that things were never the same, so she turned to agencies for assistance.

"I started to feel like I was losing it," she said. "That's when I decided to go to Mental Health. They are trained individuals who are also impartial. They looked at me and said that what I was feeling was normal."

Reidpath also began to share her story at public events in hopes to help others going through similar situations.

"I think that when I decided to help other people, it also helped me during the healing process," she said. "Looking back, I learned that it was really not my fault and that it's okay to get resources to take care of yourself."

Other stories shared during Wingman Day included overcoming a driving under the influence incident, failed fitness assessment and unprofessional relationship.

"I found it important to share my story," said Tech. Sgt. Charlotte Hellyer, 62nd Comptroller Squadron who talked about bouncing back from her two failed fitness assessments. "If I could help at least one person, then it's worth it."

After the morning event was finished, Airmen returned to their units for more teambuilding activities. The day ended with the Wingman Day run.

"In some point during our lives, we all face adversity, but we must learn to get back up," said Col. Valerie Hasberry, 627th Air Base Group commander. "Take these lessons to heart."

For more information on Comprehensive Airman Fitness as part of Air Mobility Command, visit http://www.amc.af.mil/caf.