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Wingman Project emphasizes being a friend

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Rev-up contract writer
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In Air Force Reserve Command, anyone can be a wingman. The command's Wingman Project permits everyone to play a role in reaching out to an Airman or family member who is in despair or contemplating taking his or her own life.

Being a wingman is best told by the story of the Pardo Push. During the Vietnam War, a damaged F-4 flown by Capt. Bob Pardo and 1st Lt. Steve Wayne stayed with a crippled F-4 flown by Capt. Earl Aman and 1st Lt. Robert Houghton until they were out of enemy territory and able to eject safely from their aircraft.

The friendship formed by pilots Pardo and Aman continued throughout their lifetime, with Pardo caring for his friend when he suffered a debilitating illness.

The important thing to note from Pardo's story is to remain active in a person's life if the person develops emotional trouble. People contemplating harming themselves should never be alone. Along with fellow wingmen, there are people and resources readily available to help.

"The Pardo Push is particularly relevant because many individuals, especially Airmen with successful careers, are reluctant to seek help. They need a 'push' from someone who cares," said Lt. Col. David Ubelhor, Air Force Reserve Command chief mental health consultant to the command surgeon.

It helps to know the warning signs of suicide. They include threatening or talking about hurting or killing oneself, feeling hopeless, engaging in risky activities, abusing drugs or alcohol, withdrawing from friends and loved ones, feeling anxious or undergoing dramatic mood changes, not having a sense of purpose in life or feeling like a burden, or sending unusual messages that might be interpreted as off-color humor.

"Even before the warning signs become apparent, people should address any risk factors for possible suicide," Ubelhor said. "The most common ones include problems with finances or career, legal issues, unemployment, a chronic mental health condition or a history of failed relationships.

"Our advice is to target each risk factor as early as possible with an objective, measurable plan. Like Pardo and the others, you'll soon find yourself in friendly territory."

The Wingman Project uses the three-step "ACE" model of Ask, Care and Escort to determine a person's risk for suicide. "Ask" means directly asking the person if he or she is contemplating suicide. "Care" means intervening, taking control and listening to the person. "Escort" means taking the person to the nearest healthcare professional or trained chaplain.

The Wingman Project includes online courses, training materials, videos, social media, printed outreach materials and a detailed description about the Pardo Push.

Families and friends can access this free, helpful information by visiting http://afrc.wingmantoolkit.org.

They can also speak confidentially to a trained professional 24 hours a day by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800- 273-TALK. Other resources are available at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.