In-person Wingman Day returns after COVID hiatus Published July 19, 2022 By Tech. Sgt. Juliet Louden 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- For the first time since the COVID pandemic began in 2020, Airmen from Youngstown Air Reserve Station participated in a base-wide, in-person Wingman Day over the July unit training assembly. “Due to the COVID pandemic, Airmen lost that personal interaction since everything went to a virtual setting,” said Col. Jeff Van Dootingh, commander of the 910th Airlift Wing. “Wingman Day is a chance for Airmen to see each other face-to-face and get to re-know each other. In some cases, this might be the first time Airmen are meeting in person.” This year’s Wingman Day started with a video of an Airman telling a story about his experience intervening to assist a friend who was contemplating suicide. The video led to a group discussion about the meaning and importance of trust. Airmen around YARS spent the remainder of the afternoon in a variety of activities from jousting to paintball, golf, softball, an escape room, ax-throwing and bowling. Wingman Day activities are implemented to build deeper relationships between Airmen, taking the context outside of the work environment. “Wingman Day is a great opportunity to build bonds, friendships and wingmen spirit,” said Van Dootingh.