Liberty Wing stands down for Wingman Day

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica Aceveda
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 512th Airlift Wing hosted Wingman Day July 12 at Eagles Nest here. The all-day event was divided into two parts.

During the morning portion of the Unit Training Assembly, Airmen separated themselves from their normal workload to participate in small group discussions focused on the wingman concept and resilience strategies.

The messages of "Airmen taking care of Airmen 24/7" and "finding the good" continued into a wing-wide commander's call by Col. Raymond A. Kozak, 512th AW commander.

Elevated on the outdoor stage, the wing's leader didn't miss the opportunity to deliver his mission mantra.

"Mission or bust," he said. "Everything we do is mission readiness. I have two words for mission readiness or bust - 'Bring It!"

Showcasing the wing's airlift mission, many family members joined their Airmen in touring both a C-5 Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

The afternoon picnic featured a Kids Zone, where children ran back and forth between playgrounds and bounce houses; some even competed in a Youth Fitness Challenge.

"I loved that there were so many activities for children," said Staff Sgt. Latasha Falkey, a 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron member who brought her mother and son. "I've attended the last few Wingman Day events, and this was a great turn out."

More than a thousand Airmen and family members could also peruse a row of resource tables, including the USO, Heroes to Hired and Psychological Health Advocacy Program.

Military volunteers grilled up the picnic fare of hamburgers and hotdogs, and the 512th Top 3 provided free ice cream. All dined to the sounds of mixed music provided by a DJ, who roused the crowd into line dancing.

While the turf was full of people "wobbling," hundreds engaged in a variety of fitness challenges, ranging from push-ups and sit-ups to tire flipping and sandbag stacking.
Kozak applauded the competitors and presented medals and trophies to the winners.
 
He closed the day's activities by praising the event's organizers and encouraging all to continue the wingman culture of Airmen taking care of Airmen 24/7, 365 days a year.