Wingmen help prevent DUIs

  • Published
  • By Airman Alessandra N. Gamboa
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Leaders of the 28th Operations Support Squadron selected four 28th OSS Airmen they consider to be outstanding wingmen to publicly demonstrate their new one year DUI-free status, May 2, 2011.

These four exemplary wingmen had the honor of moving their squadron magnet to the one year DUI-free column listed on a magnetic board at the 28th Bomb Wing Patriot Gate. They were accompanied by Tech. Sgt. Amy Mahoe, 28th OSS aircrew flight equipment NCO-in charge.

"I'm proud to see Airmen stepping up to help," Sergeant Mahoe said. "The new Airmen who have enlisted in recent years are amazing people and comprise some of the hardest workers in the Air Force. These Airmen are the epitome of wingmen."

Senior Airman Stephanie Skelton, 28th OSS aircrew flight equipment specialist, who volunteers as a designated driver for the 385-RIDE program and has reached out to help a fellow Airman, said being a good wingman is all about being a good person.

"Being a wingman means helping others, regardless of their rank or yours," Airman Skelton said. "Even if I wasn't in the military, I would still do good things for people whenever I can. While we lose Airmen in combat, there is no reason to lose any at home - especially when helping someone can consist of something as simple as making a phone call."

Senior Airman Pamela Torres, 28th OSS knowledge operations manager, made such a call when she became concerned about an Airman and contacted her first sergeant.

"It isn't always easy to do what's right, but don't be afraid to help someone who needs it, even if the person you're trying to help might get mad," Airman Torres said.
Airman Torres, who worked in homeless shelters and did mission work as a child, attributes her courage to do the right thing to her parents who instilled in her the importance of having compassion for others.

Similarly, Senior Airman Zachary Yoakam, 28th OSS survival evasion resistance escape specialist, who assisted six injured teenagers after a car accident in Washington state, also attributes his compassion for others to his mother, Kathy Yoakam. "Helping others is what she would have wanted me to do," Airman Yoakam explained.

The 28th OSS Airmen who have all volunteered as designated drivers encourage other Airmen to be good wingmen to their peers and leadership, and to use their chain of command when situations call for it.

"When the situation arises for someone to step in and get involved, do what you can," said Airman 1st Class Bryan Wichman, 28th OSS air traffic controller. "If a person is of a higher rank than you, don't let that stop you. Turn to your chain of command and use the proper channels for that person to get the help he or she needs."