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Warriors of the North Stand Up for Wingman Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Xavier Navarro
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Warriors of the North took some time out of their day May 22 in order to emphasize the negative impact of drinking and driving and to promote unit wellness.

This Wingman Day started the summer off by dividing Team Grand Forks into two groups. Half of the base reported to witness the dramatization of a DUI-related vehicle incident while the other half participated in team-building activities.

At the Northern Lights Club, members of the 319th Air Base Wing acted out a "docudrama" about driving under the influence. The docudrama focused on an Airman who makes the wrong decision by drinking and driving. His actions cause a vehicle accident which not only costs him his career, but takes the life of a fellow Airman.

Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Atteberry, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron water fuels systems journeyman, was one of many Airmen who watched the three-act docudrama.

"It really hits home when it's a real thing. It's not what you hear about in the morning at meetings or in commander's call," said Atteberry. "It really drives the point home."

Retired Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum was invited as the guest speaker for Wingman Day. Cornum talked about resiliency as a prisoner of war during the Persian Gulf War. Coping skills, realistic optimism and self-regulation helped find her focus on the positive things about her situation rather than drowning in negative thoughts.

"I believe that the glass is half full, but I got tired of that analogy," said Cornum. "At any given time, the world is half-light and half-dark. It's your choice to concentrate on what is light."

Andrew Swenson, 319th Air Base Wing ground safety manager, spoke about taking safety precautions for the summer season. High-risk activities, being safe on the road and grilling safety were some of the topics that were addressed during the brief.

"We are heading toward the critical days of summer and historically it's the time of the year the Air Force has more mishaps," said Swenson. "Think about the activities we are about to engage, have situational awareness, take precautions and have fun."

The North Dakota Army National Guard supported Wingman Day by bringing with them four different team-building exercises. Each activity required Airmen to work together with planning, problem solving or communication in order to complete the task.

Senior Airman Zachary Clapper, 319th Security Forces Squadron patrolman paired up with other Airmen to get through the different activities.

"It helps in real life because it's all about having your wingman with you at all times," said Clapper. "You have to have your team building skills in order to successfully meet the mission."

All activities fell under the four Comprehensive Airmen Fitness Pillars which promotes the development of a person's mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.