Wingman Day ‘08 set for Friday

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A day dedicated to strengthening the wingman concept and developing a culture of responsible choices is scheduled for Friday here.

This year's Wingman Day has retired Army Maj. Daniel Turner as the guest speaker. Mr. Turner commanded an element during the Son Tay Raid in North Vietnam Nov. 21, 1970.
The Son Tay Raid was conducted behind enemy lines 20 miles from Hanoi, Vietnam to rescue American prisoners of war. Mr. Turner's actions during the raid resulted in him receiving the Silver Star from the Secretary of Defense.

Mr. Turner served three tours in Vietnam, both as a non-commissioned officer and officer. He is now currently a senior Human Factors Specialist with the Army Research Lab Field Office at Fort Benning, Ga.

Mr. Turner will give two presentations during Wingman Day at the Fuels Barn, building 646.

The first presentation at 10:30 a.m. is for members from the 23rd Maintenance Group, 23rd Wing Staff and 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing scheduled for 10:30 a.m. The second presentation at 1 p.m. is for members from the 23rd Mission Support Group, 23rd Fighter Group, 347th Rescue Group and 23rd Medical Group.

"We feel it is important to bring a former military member to speak about the meaning of being a wingman," said Frances Elmore, Wingman Day coordinator. "Bringing a military perspective should really hit home with Airmen. He will be able to give advice about deployments, how to deal with the severity of war and the concepts that Airmen learn throughout the day in Iraq and Afghanistan."

The day will kick off with a base-wide flightline run scheduled to begin at 6:50 a.m.

Units will also participate in small-group discussions throughout the day.

"All groups on base will break down into units and watch their choice of three movies that pertain to wingman culture," said Ann Lukens, Moody's Culture of Responsible Choices program. "We want them to discuss what the characters did, if their decisions reflected the wingman concept and what they could have changed."

"We want to promote responsible decision-making in all situations throughout this year's Wingman Day," added Mrs. Lukens. "We want Airmen to help out their wingmen and buddies, not just themselves. You can help save your life and those around you by being a dependable and responsible wingman."

For more information, call 257-7272.