Keesler’s Wingman Day is Jan. 22 Published Jan. 13, 2009 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AFB, MISS -- Jan. 22 is Wingman Day at Keesler. In addition to unit activities designed to strengthen camaraderie and cohesion, a fun run/walk is 7 a.m. Jan 22 around the flight line on I-81. Runners and walkers meet at the marina to stretch out and warm up. For more information about the run, call Liz Waters, 377-7278, or Maggie Landry, 376-3170. Being a wingman was originally a term referring to the aircraft flying beside and slightly behind the lead aircraft in a formation. "Having a wingman with you on a mission makes the flight more capable by increasing firepower and improving situational awareness. Today's Airmen need good wingmen to tackle the daily challenges we all face," explained Brig. Gen. Greg Touhill, 81st Training Wing commander. The Air Force extends the idea the aspect of mutual support in aerial combat to include wingman culture, which broadens the concept to include Airmen helping Airmen. The wingman culture concept was born in October 2004, when Gen. John Jumper, former Air Force chief of staff, ordered an ongoing Air Force-wide Wingman Day program for bases around the globe. "Wingman Day allows Airmen to refocus their attention toward effective risk management and taking care of one another," said General Touhill. "It is a day-to-day objective for the Air Force. "Through these daily measures, you work hard to keep yourself and your fellow Airmen safe, healthy and mission-ready," he continued. "It's a special day for building strong relationships within your unit so when you face life challenges, you feel comfortable seeking assistance from a trusted wingman. "When you have people who are part of the community focused on helping others, it benefits everyone," the general said. "Wingman Day is just such an opportunity. It's an Air Force-wide endeavor to reduce the residual effects of stress and anxiety and to rejuvenate Airmen. "Being a wingman isn't hard," the general added. "You just have to care. We are members of the greatest air, space and cyberspace force in the world, but we can't do it all by ourselves. We work as a team and have to continually keep our heads up to look for opportunities to partner with and protect our fellow Airmen. "When each of us asks ourselves 'Who's my wingman?', the answer should be readily apparent: your co-worker, the people who share your work day, your family and your friends. "All of us in the Air Force family are Airmen: military and civilians alike. The commitment to being a good wingman is a promise, a pledge, a covenant between comrades that we take care of each other," the general concluded.