BLAZE Team become better Wingmen Published Nov. 30, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Danielle Powell 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- With the cool breeze and the sun rising on the flightline, the BLAZE Team gathered Nov. 20 to participate in Wingman Day activities. The day started with a commander's call by the 14th Flying Training Wing commander, Col. Dave Gerber. In his address Colonel Gerber spoke about the new Airman's Creed. He broke down every verse and what it means to him. Next each unit formed up for the Warrior's Run. With the Wing Staff Agency leading the way, all units ran a two mile path in formation on the flightline. Following the run, the BLAZE Team formed together to sing the Air Force song before being released to their individual units for their activities. During that time, units were able to focus on principles such as responsible drinking behavior, financial management, operational risk management, suicide and sexual assault prevention. It was also an opportunity for team building and for units to bond together. General William Looney III, Air Education and Training Command commander, stresses the importance of carrying out the concepts of Wingman Day throughout the year. "The goal of Wingman Day in Air Education and Training Command is to build unit camaraderie and give every member of our team confidence they have someone at work to whom they can turn for help... not just on a designated Wingman Day, but every day of the year," General Looney said. "Wingman Day provided an opportunity for Columbus AFB personnel to take a step back from the daily grind to focus solely on reinforcing the Wingman concept, reacquainting Airmen with culture principles and revitalizing our dedication to being great Wingmen," said 2nd Lt. Douglas Kelley, 14th Flying Training Wing. The Wingman concept is and has always been an important part of Air Force culture in the flying community. The Air Force has taken the concept from the flightline into daily AF culture where Airmen take care of each other 24 hours a day, 7 seven days a week, 365 days a year. "It is important to remember that while Wingman Day is only one day on the calendar, all Airmen must internalize the principles incorporated in the Wingman concept. By implementing these concepts in conjunction with our Core Values Airmen, have the toolkit to guide decision making all year round," said Kelley.
