Across Air Force Materiel Command, Airmen continue to embrace the command’s culture of respect and resiliency. This is especially evident in their behavior as wingmen.

AFMC has been consciously building the concept of wingman intervention for nearly three years. The goals are to raise awareness of help-seeking behaviors, increase the motivation to assist others, develop the skills and confidence to safely intervene when necessary, and ensure the well-being of self and others.

“In AFMC, and across the Air Force, we accomplish our mission as a dedicated team committed to our core values and to each other,” said Jennifer Treat, AFMC Community Support Coordinator. “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; gets involved by knowing their fellow Airmen; and takes action when necessary to protect their wingman, on and off duty. We’re proud to have so many true wingmen in our command who look out for the welfare of their colleagues and community.”

In a recent example of successful wingman intervention, a distressed Airman exhibited risk factors of suicide and expressed possible suicide intentions. The wingman listened to the situation and notified the Airman’s chain of command. By being concerned about a co-worker, the wingman ensured the Airman received the necessary assistance.

In another situation, two wingmen identified an unsafe driver when he swerved into their lane. They slowed down to create a distance between their vehicle and the unsafe driver. Shortly after that, the unsafe driver lost control, went into the median and overcorrected, resulting in a crash. The wingmen stopped immediately and provided assistance — one called 911 and the other ran to the overturned vehicle and pulled the driver out. The vigilance and quick actions of the wingmen ensured the driver received care until first responders could arrive.