Team Edwards holds Wingman day as part of the YoAFF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William A. O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Bringing together families and units across the base, Team Edwards held a Wingman day as part of Air Force Family Week Nov. 6.

"Wingman Day is a part of the Year of the Air Force family," said Jocelynn Reyes-LaShier, 95th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. "Wingman Days happen once a year to bring a sense of community and help everyone come together."

Active-duty military, civilians and contractors, as well as private organizations such as the First Four, Middle-Tier Association, Edwards Top Three and Company Grade Officers Council and the participated in the event.

Air Force Family Week is a part of the Year of the Air Force Family Initiative, which will be celebrated from July 2009 to July 2010. YOTAFF Focuses on Air Force programs and highlights the importance of and commitment to the entire Air Force family.

"Year of the Air Force Family has two purposes," said Ms. Reyes-LaShier. "First it recognizes the efforts and contributions of family members to their family member supporting mission requirements. Secondly, it will enhance services and help instill a sense of community."

The event began with a five kilometer family walk/run. Throughout the day there were also various family oriented information booths in the Oasis Community Center, along with sports and activities at the Rosburg Fitness Center.

"Wingman Day started with the five kilometer family fun run and that was a success," said Ms. Reyes-LaShier. "Following that were scavenger hunts and sports at the fitness center. Simultaneously, at the Oasis Community Center, Integrated Delivery System information booths provided information about personal finance, employment opportunities and deployment preparation. The Health and Wellness Center kicked off Freeze the Gain program and offered blood pressure, weigh-ins and weight management counseling."

For an Airman preparing to deploy, Wingman Day offered her a break from her usual work schedule and valuable information in preparation for her deployment.

"I had a good time playing kickball and taking part in the scavenger hunt," said. Senior Airman Tammy Worthing, 95th Communications Squadron. "It gave us all an opportunity to get out of the work environment and get to know the people around me. I will be deploying soon and I have a two year-old son and the information I've gotten here today will help me to prepare him for the process."

In addition to the information they were provided, participants also received an opportunity to get a half-day off from work by visiting the information booths, with the wellness passport program. Participants who had their passport stamped at seven or more stations could present the passport to their commander and get a half day off.

"The incentive to participate at every station is the wellness passport," said Ms Reyes-LaShier. "The goal of that passport is to have participants visit as many information booths as possible. For those who are able to get stamps from at least 7 of the 12 booths, pending commander's approval are eligible for a half day off."

Air Force Family Week ended with free bowling, and food at the High Desert Lanes bowling alley. However, Ms. Reyes-LaShier said the IDS has more Year of the Air Force Family activities coming up and encourages everyone to continue participating.

"Look out for more Year of the Air Force Family programs and activities," she said. "We will be hosting many more in the future and hope to continue to receive high participation."