10th ABW Airmen 'look out for each other' at Wingman Day

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Thursday provided ample opportunity for members of the 10th Air Base Wing to exercise an Air Force time-honored tradition from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in and around Arnold Hall. 

Tenth Air Base Wing Commander Col. Rick LoCastro reminded Airmen that the Air Force established the Wingman program to encourage Airmen and their families to look out for each other. 

"We definitely are pumping this up in the 10th ABW," Colonel LoCastro said.

A wingman is someone who watches out for his fellow Airmen, whether in the air or on the ground, Colonel LoCastro said.

"It's a promise, a commitment between Airmen -- and in the 10th ABW, we are reaffirming that pledge," Colonel LoCastro said. 

During the half-day event, Airmen focused on team concepts, camaraderie, leadership, motivational themes, and even 10th ABW history. Wingman Day event chairman Capt. Lisa Mull said the activity was instrumental in getting members of the wing out of their daily routines and afforded lots of opportunity to mingle. 

"This was a great way for all wing members to meet some new people they wouldn't normally cross paths with in the performance of their regular duties," she said. 

The objective was for Airmen to learn of the past and garner insight into the unit's future. Members conducted various forms of training and were further reminded of critical issues. 

"More importantly, we took time to get to know each other better," Colonel LoCastro said. 

The overall agenda included some unique presentations, events, and even a surprise guest speaker -- former Denver Bronco All-Pro linebacker Randy Gradishar, who talked about teamwork, leadership, and family. During his address to the wing, Mr. Gradishar distinguished the difference between being successful and being a champion. In doing so, he pointed Academy members toward aiming at living, working and thinking like champions. 

"The Air Force cultivates and instills this same culture between all Airmen via the Wingman program because, as Airmen, we are all part of a much larger team," Colonel LoCastro said. "All of us need Wingmen to succeed, and each of us needs to be a Wingman to ensure to total team effort." 

The 10th ABW comprises the agencies responsible for the day-to-day operations and support of the Air Force Academy. 

"It's all about the team and taking care of our teammates -- military, civilians, contractors and family members," Colonel LoCastro said.

The wing commander also presented several of his new "Above and Beyond" awards to personnel who have gone out of their way to achieve or provide customer service. Anyone can nominate someone else for the award. Colonel LoCastro said he received more than 60 nominations, from which five were selected for special recognition. 

"Wingmen come in many forms, sometimes assisting each other, oftentimes providing assistance, help, service to a customer or a total stranger in need," the colonel concluded.