128 ARW kicks off Wingman Weekend

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jenna V. Lenski
  • 128th Air Refueling Wing
The 128th Air Refueling Wing hosted the first Wingman Weekend over a unit training assembly to achieve resiliency training and promote camaraderie Aug. 9-10, 2014 here. Sunday focused on a family day and resiliency fair with over 1,200 attendees and more than 30 supporting organizations.

While members of the 128 ARW conducted sexual assault prevention, safety, risk management, and resiliency training for a portion of the weekend, they brought their families and friends out to the base for games, military displays, resource information booths, and a picnic lunch.

Several organizations including the USO, USAA, Airman and Family Foundation of the Milwaukee Refueling Wing, and Military OneSource displayed booths in an aircraft hangar during the family day event to inform military members and their families of the resources and support they provide. Other organizations that displayed information booths included Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Wisconsin Employment Resource Connection, Military Family Assistance Center, FEI Behavioral Health, OEF/OIF Connection Team, and WI National Guard Insurance Program, among many others.

To better understand the primary mission of the 128 ARW is aerial refueling, a KC-135R Stratotanker was displayed and opened for military members to bring their guests aboard the aircraft. Aircrew members answered questions about the aircraft and escorted attendees to view the boom pod.

Sections from the 128 ARW set up display booths in the aircraft hangar during family day to inform attendees of the programs and services dedicated to helping unit members. The judge advocate office provided legal assistance and resources, while the public affairs section took family photos staged in front of a KC-135R Stratotanker. Other sections included emergency management, equal opportunity, family readiness, finance, recruiting and retention, personnel services and the small air terminal.

Military displays were set up for attendees to view and experience various capabilities. The 128th Security Forces Squadron displayed weapons and their fleet of ATVs, and the 128th Civil Engineering Squadron displayed their fleet of heavy vehicles, fire trucks, and machinery.

Guests had an opportunity to experience what it feels like in combat gear and chemical defense gear in the warehouse of the 128th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Children who attended the event were entertained around the base with crafts and games. Military members formed teams to participate in volleyball, bag toss and a poker run. Of the several teams that were formed, the 128th Fire Department volleyball team won and took home the shiny, new trophy.

The expectations for this inaugural event were exceeded by the Airman and their families by connecting with resources available to them. In turn, the Airman and their families lived out the resiliency they were trained by enjoying a day dedicated to their strengthening their relationships and expanding their understanding of the mission of the 128 ARW.