Wingman and Sports Day to spotlight intervention, professional work environments

  • Published
  • By Teresa Reinhard
  • Community Support Coordinator
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Wingman intervention and professional work environments are the Air Force Materiel Command's themes for this spring's Wingman and Sports Day on May 23.

"As we enter the summer months, it is critical that we all be active wingmen," said Col. Jeffrey Lanning, 377th Mission Support Group commander. "That is, we need to be aware of our fellow Airmen and take necessary actions to assure everyone's safety. We are all good at reacting when someone gets hurt, but we need to get better at preventing unsafe situations from developing in the first place."

Military members and civilians from the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and the 377th Air Base Wing can attend one of two wingman intervention sessions at the base theater: the morning session, 7:30 to 9 a.m., or the afternoon session, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Airmen will share stories of personal resilience that deal with the Wingman philosophy of being alert to signs of danger, getting involved and taking action when necessary to protect self and others.

Sports, including kick ball, volleyball, 3-point basketball, horseshoes, golf, dodge ball, and racquetball, will be offered throughout the day. Organizers said the goals for the sporting events include teamwork, communication, collaboration, and plain fun.

In addition to the sports, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program will feature their new "impaired driving" pedal cart for participants to test their ability to "drive while under the influence. "

Everyone is encouraged to bring a bag lunch to Marquez Park at 12:30 p.m., where free fruit, snacks, and beverages will be available.

The day will conclude at 2:30 pm at Marquez Park with tug-of-war, followed by closing remarks by Maj. Gen. Sandra Finan, AFNWC commander.

Wingman and sports day events are considered an alternate duty location for military members, who are authorized to wear physical training gear or air battle uniforms.

Civilian personnel may be excused to attend as spectators or participants, not to exceed four hours in addition to their lunch period, with the coordination and approval of their supervisor. Civilians who are in the civilian fitness program may use their three hours per week for the sporting events. To enroll in the civilian fitness program, civilian employees should consult with their immediate supervisor.

To register for sporting events, contact the Fitness Center at 846-1102. For more general information, call 846-6427. An agenda of the day's activities and a map to the different events can be found at www.kirtland.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-130513-024.pdf.