Wingman Day emphasizes financial, stress management Published Nov. 30, 2011 By Steve Hoffmann 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- December 8 is Wingman Day at Keesler. "Wingman Day is an opportunity for the whole base to come together and hear from leadership on how to take care of ourselves," said Chaplain (Capt.) Melvin Smith. "It's an opportunity to come together under the Wingman concept of taking care of one another." The Wingman Day theme comes from Gen. Edward Rice Jr., Air Education and Training Command commander, through the Community Action Information Board. According to Chaplain Smith, the CAIB is a meeting where the base commanders discuss potential problem spots on base and how to solve them. The theme for the Dec. 8 Wingman Day will be personal financial readiness and stress management, with emphasis on how to be resilient in these areas. A facilitator will initiate a discussion of these topics among small groups rather than a briefing. This allows Airmen the opportunity to express their concerns and ideas about the topics. Following the discussion, these small groups will engage in team building exercises such as sporting, recreational or process improvement activities. "Really, the purpose for Wingman Day is to advance the wingman concept of taking care of one another," said Chaplain Smith. Wingman Day starts at 6:45 a.m. at the base operations entrance to the flightline. Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st Training Wing commander, will kick off the day with a few words about Wingman Day followed by a flightline "fun run." From there, everyone will return to their units to participate in the topic presentations, discussions and group activities. Wingman Day will end around noon. "Most of the feedback from past Wingman Days have been positive," said Chaplain Smith. "People enjoy getting away from the work section to focus on teamwork, camaraderie and to learn what helps them become strong and resilient."