Wingman Stand Down 2010: Airmen safety, well-being

Published May 12, 2010

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo., -- Whiteman Airmen will learn strategies to prevent suicides and private motor vehicle accidents as part of Air Force's Wingman Stand Down 2010 today.

As part of the Air Force-wide wing stand down, Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander, will address all 509th BW personnel at one of three briefings: at 6 a.m. before the base fun run or at 8:30 and 10 a.m., for personnel who were not able to attend the fun run. In case of rain and for the two additional briefings, personnel under the age of 25 will attend at the Mission's End, and all other personnel will be at the PDC or base theater.

"Wingman Stand Down 2010 offers a pause in the day-to-day mission to focus on Airmen, specifically the rise in Air Force suicides, reinvigorating the wingman concept and examining the loss of Airmen to private motor vehicle accidents," said General Wheeler. "We need to refocus to make sure all of us understand the impact of losing an Airman."

In a jointly signed letter, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy noted the reasons for the stand down.

"Sadly, 18 Airmen, eight guardsmen and reservists, and three civilians, of all ranks and specialties, have taken their own lives so far this year," the senior leaders noted. "Additionally, approximately 50 Air Force members annually are killed in motor vehicle accidents."

"To jump-start this effort, we are directing a half-day wingman stand down for all units. This stand down will include discussions at squadron level or below, led by unit leadership," the joint letter by the general and chief says. "The stand down will include three topics: suicide prevention, motor vehicle safety and improving wingman skills by knowing your people.

"Your full participation and support is essential as our Air Force moves forward to reduce suicides and injuries, save lives and preserve our most important asset, our Airmen," the letter states.

Following the Friday morning briefing, each unit will go back to their places of work and break into small groups for guided small-group discussions. The guided discussions will encourage Airmen to strengthen wingman relationships and teach them to prevent private motor vehicle accidents by curbing reckless behavior and reduce suicides through proactive intervention.