Team Wright-Patt gears up for Wingman Day

Exercising, having fun, relaxing and laughing are some of the ways to relieve stress and strengthen social fitness—that’s exactly what Team Wright-Patt organizations are planning for on Wingman Day on Oct 4.

The theme this fall is “Resilience: Aligning Your Inner and Outer Self.”

Airmen will focus on strengthening the four resilience domains that fall under the Comprehensive Airman Fitness: physical, mental, social and spiritual. Building up skillsets in each of these domains enable Airmen to hold each other accountable against Air Force Core Values.

“Wingman Day provides us an opportunity to step away from our work environments and connect with one another on a different level. Often, we get caught up in our day-to-day operations and seldom do we take time to truly get to know our teammates on a personal and human level,” said Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Arbona, 88th Air Base Wing command chief.

“Strengthening our relationships with our teammates is essential to all of our resilience. It enhances our ability to detect when something is not within the norms of our teammate(s) and can help prevent suicides or a teammate reaching a breaking point and hurting someone else,” he said. “The benefits are numerous and important to our success. Our service to the Air Force, be it active duty military or civilian, is a team sport. It takes every member of the team regardless of role, to ensure we are victorious.”

Whether it’s painting, relaxing with a massage, competing in a friendly game of basketball or learning how to shop smartly for groceries, Airmen will be able to enjoy the company of others, get to know their peers better, and take care of each other while participating in activities that encourage team building.

“Wingman Day allows us to take a mental break from our day-to-day tasks and enables us to connect socially with all of our installation teammates and mission partners,” said Tech. Sgt. David McClannan, executive assistant to the 88th Air Base Wing Command Chief.

At the closing of the events, a free BBQ lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Jarvis Gym, Kittyhawk Center, Area A.

“This isn’t something we do enough of; we get busy with work, family and all that goes along with being grown-ups,” said Jan Devitt, Wright-Patt community support coordinator. “We have Wingman Days to create a sense of belongingness and community.”

“It’s amazing for me to see everyone having fun. It’s an honor to serve those who serve. The focus of this event is to spend time with each other and to realize how much we have in common,” she said. “Airmen understand the lifestyle they’ve chosen and the sacrifice that goes along with their service. Wingman Days are the opportunity to get out of your office, meet new friends, relax and enjoy the sun and have some fun. These days build alliances and camaraderie. It is my hope to make Wright-Patterson a little bit smaller.”

For more information contact Jan Devitt via email at mary.devitt@us.af.mil or call 937-257-6442.


Activities planned for Wingman Day, Oct. 4:

  • Warm-up stretching (lengthen and strengthen): 8 to 8:30 a.m., Jarvis field
  • Flag football: 10 a.m. to whenever, Jarvis field (five-man, 24-minute game)
  • 3-on-3 Basketball: 9 a.m. to noon, Jarvis (half-court play, ladder bracket)
  • Tennis: 10 a.m. to noon, Jarvis (2) tennis courts
  • Hydro-Rider: 9 to 9:30 a.m., 9:30 to 10 a.m., 10 to 10:30 a.m., 10:30 to 11 a.m., Dodge pool
  • Sand Volleyball: 9 to noon, Jarvis (2 courts open for play)
  • WPAFB Walk (1.5 miles): 9 a.m., starts at golf course parking lot (Skeel Ave.).
  • Martial Arts: 11 a.m. to noon, Jarvis
  • Yoga: 11 to 11:45 a.m., Jarvis
  • Home Run Derby: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jarvis ball field (must have your own pitcher)
  • Chair Massage: 9 a.m. to noon, Jarvis
  • Tricycles at the Track: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jarvis track
  • Pingpong: 8 a.m. to noon, Dodge Gym
  • Pickle ball: 10 a.m. to noon (combination of tennis and pingpong), Dodge Gym
  • Painting class: 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., USO Community Center, Kittyhawk Center
  • Spiritual resilience: 9 to 9:45 a.m., 10 to 10:45 a.m., Kittyhawk Chapel
  • Meditation: 9:30 to 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to noon, USO
  • Sleep enhancement: 8:30 to 9 a.m., 10:30 to 11 a.m., USO
  • Supermarket Savvy: 10 to 10:45 a.m., USO
  • Eating on the Go: 9 to 9:45 a.m., USO
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