Dec. 12 is Keesler's Wingman Day Published Nov. 27, 2007 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- -- Dec. 12 is Wingman Day at Keesler. Being a wingman was originally a term referring to the aircraft flying beside and slightly behind the lead aircraft in a formation. The idea behind the wingman is to add the aspect of mutual support in aerial combat. "Having a wingman with you on a mission makes the flight more capable by increasing firepower and improving situational awareness. Today's airman needs good wingmen to tackle the daily challenges we all face," explained Col. Greg. Touhill, 81st Training Wing commander. Taking a cue from this combat analogy, the Air Force extends the idea 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 Air-men to refocus their attention toward effective risk management and taking care of one another," said Colonel 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." The benefit of being a good wingman and cultivating an attitude of "taking care of your buddy" spills over into the community, according to Colonel Touhill. "When you have people who are part of the community focused on helping others, it benefits everyone," he 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 colonel 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: uniformed personnel 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," Colonel Touhill concluded.