News

Bringing Airmen together

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hull
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Citizen Airmen of the Rainier Wing gathered together March 6 at McChord Field to participate in Wingman Day.

The theme of this year’s event, We Are Connected, was aimed at highlighting the importance of joining together as a team.

“Wingman Day is our chance to emphasize the resiliency of the 44th Airlift Wing family,” said Col. Scott McLaughlin, 446th AW wing commander. “It solidifies the meaning that we always have someone to lean on.”

One of the speakers, Jeanne Morrow, the 446th Airlift Wing director of psychological health, briefed the wing on suicide prevention and awareness.

“Everyone is faced with challenges,” said Morrow. “At some point you will have to face those challenges. Wingman Day is a chance for us to gain a better understanding of ourselves.”

Morrow relayed her experience of a fear of flying and how it impacted her life. She explained how something that starts as a minor inconvenience can manifest into something debilitating.

Following the suicide prevention briefing, Reservists took part in a new program called Wingman University.

The 446th Wingman University offered five classes which included education on parenting, relationships, finances, home buying and health and fitness.

“These classes will allow Airmen to learn new skills or enhance previously learned skills,” said McLaughlin.

Each Airman had the opportunity to select one class that interested them most and were taught by various experts from around the base.

“Wingman Day is about showing the similarities that join us together,” said Morrow. “It’s our chance to get together and celebrate that we are a team.”