Winning Wingman Ways Published Oct. 25, 2007 By Michelle Loughlin Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Office TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Did you know that acting as a good wingman can actually improve your physical and emotional health? There's no shortage of research showing that people who give time, money or support to others are more likely to be happy and satisfied with their lives -- and less likely to be depressed. Carolyn Schwartz, a research professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, didn't start out looking at the value of helping others. Instead, she wanted to see if receiving regular peer support phone calls from fellow multiple sclerosis sufferers would benefit others with the disease. What she found was that helping others was the key benefit -- and the real beneficiaries were those lending the supportive ear. It was those who offered support that experienced dramatic improvements in their quality of life -- several times more so than those they were helping. "Numerous studies have found that happy people are more helpful," according to Dr. David Myers, author of The Pursuit of Happiness. So what can we, as wingmen, do to facilitate this information into our daily life? Here are five easy things you can do to help others -- and yourself: Volunteer. Research shows that people who volunteer just two hours a week have better physical health and are less depressed. Informally offer to help family, friends and co-workers. Bring dinner to someone who's sick, feed pets for neighbors on vacation or offer a ride to someone who lacks a car. Donate. It doesn't have to be a lot of money. Support local organizations by buying a raffle ticket or toss change into donation cans at cash registers. You'll help to make the world a better place and make yourself feel better too. Listen. Sometimes all others need is someone to lend a sympathetic ear to make them feel heard, cared for and loved. Make others (and yourself) smile. The easiest way to make other people happy is to act happy yourself. Humor and laughter are contagious -- spread the smile. We probably spend more waking hours with our co-workers than we do with our friends and family. That gives us ample opportunities to act as good wingman to our colleagues. We are often the first to learn of difficulties they may be facing. How we handle that information can establish a sense of trust and support that can help lead to a positive resolution. As always, be alert, get involved and take action ... be a good wingman! Schedule of Wingman Events Nov. 1 -- Wingman Fabulous Feud, 4:30 to 9 p.m., Tinker Club. Gather your wingmen, enter the Wingman Fabulous Feud and vie for cash prizes. Guaranteed to build a team concept and provide tons of laughs. Visit www.tinker.services.com to register. Nov. 9, Wingman Day -- 8 to 8:45 a.m.: Base theater will host a Victim Impact Panel. This powerful presentation will feature victims and offenders from actual incidents telling their life changing stories. -- 9 to 10 a.m.: Retired Lt. Col. Lee "Buddy" Archer, legendary ace pilot of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, will speak in the base theater on his experiences and the importance of having a Wingman. -- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Bldg. 3001 employees are encouraged to take their Wellness Passports (will be disseminated through Wingman POCs to supervisors) and visit the tables located near Hollywood and Vine to have their passports stamped. Once all pages are stamped the holder is entitled to a free ice cream. -- Throughout the day: Tinker Services Division is offering the following, only good on Wingman Day. Participants must have their Wingman BOLD FACE card and each person must have their Wingman with them to qualify. · Services will offer ice cream and a chance to enter a drawing for a one week lunch card for a individual and their wingman at the base restaurant. · Bowling Center will offer a special two play for the price of one. Get your reservations in early · Wingman Day discounts on golf and lunch at base club. Call to reserve. · Units can compete in paintball competition, winner takes trophy. Must sign up in advance. Call Outdoor Recreation at 734-2289. · Rock climbing wall is also available for team participation at the paintball field. Call 734-2289 for details.