More than two years after it was introduced, Air Force Materiel Command’s Wingman Intervention program is still going strong.
“During the Spring 2013 Wingman Day, AFMC made a concerted effort to provide its Airmen with the skills and confidence they need to safely intervene when they see fellow Airmen entering into potentially harmful situations, both on and off duty,” said Jennifer Treat, AFMC Community Support Coordinator.
To build on that theme, AFMC launched an initiative in the fall of 2013 to capture, acknowledge and highlight real-life instances where Airmen took action to keep themselves and their wingmen safe. The goal of the Wingman Intervention program is to turn those situations — where personnel recognized at-risk behavior and proactively intervened — into teachable moments and to encourage similar behavior in others. So far, more than 40 interventions have been highlighted.
“A good wingman stays alert for signs of danger from whatever source — whether suicide, safety mishaps, alcohol abuse, sexual assault, bullying, medical issues or other difficulties — and gets involved by knowing their fellow Airmen and assisting when necessary,” Treat continued. “We’re proud to have so many true wingmen in our command who look out for the welfare of their colleagues and community.”
As a recent example of successful wingman intervention, an Airman working at the installation’s visitor control center encountered an individual who was extremely upset and talking about suicide. The Airman calmed the individual down and, after verifying the individual was eligible to access the installation, drove the individual to base lodging and paid for one night’s stay. The Airman returned in the morning and escorted the individual to the legal office and to the Airman & Family Readiness Center. The phenomenal wingman skills displayed by the Airman helped turn a potentially tragic situation into a saved life.
If you become aware of situations in which personnel have recognized at-risk behaviors and proactively intervened, please contact the Edwards AFB Community Support Coordinator at 661-277-2711..