Wingman Day focuses on fostering resilient Airmen Published Nov. 16, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Hope Cronin 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena Air Base will reinforce the Wingman concept by focusing on developing resilient Airmen Nov. 18, as the base kicks off Wingman Day. "The 18th Wing wants to emphasize the four pillars of wellness - physical, social, mental and spiritual," said Maj. Paul Miller, 18th Wing Air Evacuation Squadron training flight commander. "The focus is on resiliency." By definition, resiliency is the power or ability to return to the original form or position after being bent, compressed or stretched. As applied to KAB Airmen, it is the ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity or other challenges. "A good Wingman helps coworkers, family and friends when challenging situations arise," said Miller. The goal of this Wingman Day is to improve the resiliency of individuals through structured discussion in small groups and team-building exercises at the squadron level. Unit facilitators will lead the small group discussions for Wingman Day. Miller explained that this Wingman's Day will highlight situational awareness, life challenges, stress, communication, nutrition and fitness. It will also focus on how to tell if someone is in distress, how to regain a sense of control over oneself and other circumstances and key factors of being a good Wingman. "[We] are challenging each and every Airman to be a vigilant Wingman in our conspicuous culture of compliance," said Miller. "Preventable mishaps degrade the mission; they bring pain and suffering and levy a financial burden." Wingman Day will kick off with a Wing Run at 6:30 a.m., and units are encouraged to wear unit morale shirts. Discussions and team-building exercises will be conducted at the squadron level throughout the morning.