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In the military, members are expected to be physically, mentally,
emotionally and spiritually fit. This concept is the core factor
when developing resilient Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
A well-rounded Airman is not only a master of resiliency, but
also a good wingman. It is a job that requires commitment 24/7/365
and incorporates the Air Force core values of integrity, service
before self, and excellence in all we do.
Wingmanship may
seem simple, but it is an indispensable part of the Airman way of
life. Historically, the term ‘wingman' was first used to describe
the pattern in which aircraft flew into battle. As the lead aircraft
flies in formation, another flies to the right and slightly behind.
This second pilot is called the wingman and protects the lead
aircraft.
During a seven month deployment to Southeast Asia,
Staff Sgt. Omar, 432nd Wing sensor operator in training, learned
first-hand what it takes to be a good wingman.
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A mural by Staff Sgt. Omar, 432nd Wing sensor operator in
training, depicts an A-10 Thunderbolt providing close air support in
2014, at a deployed location. Omar was previously assigned to the
442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. On the
left, the twin towers burn next to the words, “we will never
forget,” to symbolize the events of September 11, 2001. On the
right, Omar depicted one of his wingmen, an Airman holding a battle
cross to commemorate fallen soldiers. (U.S. Air Force photo by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kristan Campbell)
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“It doesn't matter what you have going on, the mission
always comes first,” said Omar. “Being deployed [in a desert
terrain] can be tough. You could be turning wrenches in the
extreme heat of the day, working a twelve hour shift when
night falls and you're suddenly working in below-zero
conditions, covered in Jet Propellant-8.”
It was
during one such experience that Omar found himself in need
of a friend.
“War doesn't
take a break,” Omar said. “I was volunteering at a hospital
one day when I realized just how serious it was. There was
an explosion that shook the whole base. The next thing I
knew I was asked to help out in the emergency room.”
The hospital was suddenly thrown into chaos, leaving Omar in
unfamiliar territory.
“The whole staff was working
hard to administer emergency treatment to the patients,”
Omar said. “I was caught in the middle of it somehow, and
was able to help by assisting the doctors.”
Omar
recalled the injured patients were allied soldiers on a
base-defense mission taking a break to hand out supplies to
children when a suicide bomber, dressed as an Afghan
policeman, detonated among them.
Omar assisted in
lifesaving attempts, but ultimately five coalition soldiers
and more than a dozen civilians and children were lost in
the attack.
Returning to work the next day, Omar was
left with many mixed emotions as he tried to continue on
with his daily duties with help from his wingmen.
“Remembering what I saw, it was tough,” said Omar. “I had to
get through it somehow.”
After this trying
experience, Omar rekindled his passion for drawing and
painting.
“Painting was therapeutic to me,” Omar
said. “I wanted to immortalize the feelings I was facing,
and give something back to my wingmen who had already given
me so much. I had many wonderful wingmen downrange. A
wingman can be anybody, not just me...my co-workers were my
support system. Even my wife was a wingman to me when I
returned.”
Feeling the need to give back, Omar
voluntarily created a 20-foot high mural on a concrete force
protection barrier at his deployed location. During the
project, he overcame multiple obstacles, such as limited art
materials and difficulty working with acrylic paints, which
dried within seconds of hitting the searing concrete.
Omar recalled that the mural took him three weeks to
complete, but was well worth the effort to boost morale of
those around him.
“I received recognition for my
painting, but my story is just one story,” Omar said. “There
are people out there with many stories of what it means to
be a good wingman. No matter how different we are, despite
who we are, we rely on our wingman during times of
deployment and in every day life.”
By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kristan Campbell
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
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