Columbus Wingmen reunite with 14 FTW commanders

  • Published
  • By Airman John Day
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Columbus Wingmen and former 14th Flying Training Wing commanders met for a luncheon Sep. 4 in the Happy Lounge at the Columbus Club here.

The luncheon kicked off Heritage Week Sept. 4-6, a once-in-a-century event.

Heritage Week guests include Gen. Mark Welsh, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who is the guest speaker for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 14-14's graduation; Lt. Gen Stephen Wilson, Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, who will speak at the Air Force Birthday Ball; and nine of Columbus AFB's former commanders who will attend several events as well as the graduation and Air Force Ball.

In one tradition started by retired Gen. Robert, or "Doc," Foglesong, the wing commander selects an individual for the Columbus Wingman Award. The Columbus Wingman Award is an honorary designation that recognizes members of the community who have made exceptional contributions to Columbus AFB and have provided community support to the wing. "Wingman" comes from the aviation term for a pilot who flies his or her aircraft in formation with another aircraft, increasing the power of the group, rather than individual strength.

The Happy Lounge was named for George "Happy" Irby, an employee of 51 years at Columbus AFB. Irby was very involved in the community and for that, he was named the first of Foglesong's original four Wingmen.

"The message I think we should all take out of this is that we're all in this together," said Foglesong. "Thanks very much for joining us here today. I hope we can do this more often because it is really great to see old friends and community relationships."

The assembled commanders and Wingmen introduced themselves to the group before eating lunch.

"This is certainly a great honor to host you all back to this wonderful base," said Col. John Nichols, Commander, 14th Flying Training Wing. "I know it means a lot to our community partners, so for all of our partners in attendance today, thank you. Our Wingman program is alive and well and is such a special event."