Be A Good Wingman, go extra mile

  • Published
  • By Maj. Joseph Browning
  • 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron operations officer
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  What is a wingman and why is it important to me? 

A wingman was originally a term referring to planes flying formation to enhance mutual security while in a hostile environment.

Today, we have modified the term slightly to describe a battle buddy or someone willing to lend assistance.

A wingman can be a co-worker, neighbor, friend or complete stranger -- anyone who goes the extra mile to help others.

Have you ever been stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire?

Have you ever had too much to drink and needed a ride home?

Have you ever been in a situation way over your head?

If so, those folks who took the time to help you were being good wingmen.

Perhaps they saw your situation and thought for a moment "should I help them?" or "leave it to someone else."

Hopefully they made the deliberate decision to help you -- and hopefully their assistance has left you with a debt of gratitude.

You probably see small situations every day that require a little inspiration, guidance or personal involvement that could benefit those around you.

Being a good wingman could be as little as sharing your home-buying experience with a new-comer or reminding a co-worker that the shift schedule has changed.

Sometimes however, the circumstances require a little more.

It could mean preventing someone from getting behind the wheel who has had too much to drink, or taking the time to talk with someone who appears withdrawn from their co-workers.

Remember your neighbor who just deployed? Consider what stresses that may have on the military member and especially the family he/she left behind.

Do they have someone to help if the car breaks down?

Do they have someone they can share their problems and concerns with?
Is there someone available to help them mow the grass?

Each one of these problems may appear small, yet when combined can be absolutely overwhelming -- especially to a young couple with small children.

Being a good wingman creates a successful environment.

Make a conscious effort to step up, and help out.

Encourage those around you to keep a watchful eye on those folks who may need some extra assistance.

In the end, it helps our community, neighbors and co-workers.

Before you realize it, you'll find the time you invested in others will be generously repaid to you.