Wingman Program has no borders in the 38th EIG

Published Feb. 29, 2008
By Carroll dobbs
38th Implementation Division chief

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Col. Michael Niezgoda, Commander of the 38th EIG recently presented a Wingman Coin to Stephanie Smith for her outstanding example of the Air Force Wingman spirit.
   Realizing that a number of the Group's personnel were deployed to the Middle East AOR would be spending the Christmas holiday away from their friends and families. Ms. Smith took it upon herself to show that the organization supported their efforts and was concerned for their well-being. She spearheaded efforts to prepare "care packages" to let them know they were not forgotten by their fellow workers. She purchased cards and encouraged other 38th EIG personnel to take advantage of the opportunity to send their well wishes along with the care packages. Stephanie's actions represent her commitment to caring for her fellow Airmen and are a clear indicator of her Wingman spirit.
   Will Edgerton who recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan state "I appreciated Stephanie's care package very much. It arrived at just the right time. Time really slows down around the holidays, when we start thinking of friends and family back home. It gave me a good feeling to know that someone back here was thinking of me and took the time to put together a package of goodies, etc. I can't thank her enough"
   Ms. Smith is the fourth person in the Group to be presented the Wingman coin. Previous recipients were Jim Cheney, who led efforts to provide assistance to a fellow employee after the death of a spouse. Tammy Vu and Nancy Vu observing that a fellow worker was experiencing a diabetic episode provided the necessary first aid and prevented the co-worker from going into a diabetic coma.
   The Wingman spirit has increasingly became part of the 38th's culture since the inception of the program, frequently mentioned in meetings and discussions at all levels and considered by everyone as they go about their day-to-day routines. The result has been an observable increase in team spirit and unit cohesiveness.
   "With the world wide commitments, the frequent TDY rate, and fast pace at the 38th, it's a comforting feeling to know that wherever you are and whatever your task, you have a 38th member always on your wing," stated Col Niezgoda.