Page 26 - Desert Lightning News 6-3-16

26 June 3, 2016
A lesson in wingmanshipFacebook.com/DesertLightningNews
Two coalition service members admire a mural painted at a deployed location by Sta Sgt. Omar, 432nd Wing sensor operator in training at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. The painting depicts an
A-10 Thunderbolt providing close air support in 2014. 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.
Airman 1st Class Kristan Campbell
432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Public A airs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- In the military, members are ex-
pected to be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually fit. is con-
cept 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 in-
corporates 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 de-
scribe the pattern in which aircraft flew into battle. As the lead aircraft
flies in formation, another flies to the right and slightly behind. is sec-
ond 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.
“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
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(Courtesy Photo)
one day when I realized just how serious it was. ere was an explosion
that shook the whole base. e next thing I knew I was asked to help out
in the emergency room.”
e hospital was suddenly thrown into chaos, leaving Omar in unfa-
miliar territory.
“ e 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-de-
fense mission taking a break to hand out supplies to children when a sui-
cide bomber, dressed as an Afghan policeman, detonated among them.
Omar assisted in lifesaving attempts, but ultimately five coalition sol-
diers 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 emo-
tions 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 down-
range. 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.”
See WINGMAN, Page 27