Airmen focus on CAF during Wingman University

by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

11/2/2015 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Schriever looked more like a college campus as wing members attended a variety of classes during Wingman University Oct. 27 at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.

The class topics ranged from stress management, to Thrift Savings Plans to sleep enhancement, and each supported the whole-person concept and the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness.

"The event touched on all four pillars of CAF," said Tech. Sgt. Abifarin Scott, 50th Space Wing resiliency training assistant and Wingman University coordinator. "We had classes directly related to physical, spiritual and mental [pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness].  The social aspect was the area that I think the 'University' aspect touched on the most. It gave people the opportunity to interact with people they wouldn't normally interact with and go to places that they wouldn't normally go."

The unique style of Wingman University was unlike the typical Wingman Day format, and put the control in the hands of the participants.

"It was very beneficial to be able to choose what path you'd like to take in order to enhance yourself and make yourself better," said Senior Airman Kyle Lahtinen, 50th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Each briefing lasted less than an hour and had a limited number of openings for participants, creating a small-group atmosphere.

"Smaller groups are always better - you get to reach out to your instructor on a one-on-one basis instead of being in a mass brief in the auditorium," said 1st Lt. Joshua Thogode, 50th Operations Group.  "It gave you a chance to realize what you're weak in and learn how to make it stronger in that smaller group setting."

While the event gave participants a choice in what briefings to attend, it also gave many helping agencies on base an avenue to reach out to other Schriever members and their families.
"I like the Wingman University idea," said Capt. Robert Seals, 21st Medical Squadron psychologist and Wingman University instructor. "It's great that people get to choose what they want and make a curriculum for themselves, and it's always nice to have command support for us to be able to host classes or do outreach."

Due to the positive feedback from the event, Team 5-0 can expect to see Wingman University again in the future.

"I think Wingman University was a huge success," said Tech. Sgt. Tawny Devine, 50 SW chaplain assistant and Wingman University coordinator. "We received great feedback about the different format. The feedback will definitely convince everyone that this format should be used in the future."