Security Forces Squadron zips through Wingman Day Published March 20, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Peter R. Miller 440th Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE FIELD, N.C. - (March 20, 2011) -- Forty members of the 440th Security Forces Squadron recently spent the day zip-lining through 55 acres of trees near Carver's Falls in Fayetteville, N.C., during a wingman-centered team-building exercise on March 20. Wingman Day is a day set aside to reinforce the Air Force wide Wingman concept, an initiative established in 2005 to focus on building a stronger, healthier and safer Air Force. Airmen and their families are encouraged to look out for each other and to intervene when signs of stress are observed. "We had been talking about this for a while," said Capt. William Beauchene, 440th Security Forces Squadron commander. "We needed a motivational tool that stressed teamwork and team-building. Zip-lining was our solution." The Security Forces Wingman Day activities featured a tour of native streams, waterfalls and wildlife by way of zip-lines, rope bridges, tree-top platforms and floating spiral staircases. Some members of the force found the activities challenging. "We all encouraged each other to overcome our boundaries," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Dederich, the 440th Security Forces Squadron Operations Superintendent. "Personally, I don't like heights. I don't know if I would have been able to do it if we didn't have Senior Airman Lindsey making jokes." Senior Airman Lindsey, a security forces member, said the motivation was mutual. "I wouldn't have done this on my own," she said. "After that first zip-line, I would have gotten off the tour if I had to do it by myself." Airman 1st Class Kaira Osgood, a security forces member, said that the adventure allowed her to associate with new people. "An A1C, like me, doesn't usually hang out with master sergeants," she said. Captain Beauchene said the zip-line adventure was also just reward to his troops for a job well done on the unit's recent Operational Readiness Inspection. His Airmen garnered many coins and other forms of recognition for excellence during the exercise. "They said we did satisfactory, but we feel like we did excellent," said Beauchene reflecting on the ORI. "I am biased because I am their commander, but we have a fantastic group of young people, and they will be the future of our unit once the chiefs and I are gone," said Beauchene. "Our future looks bright." The 440th Security Forces Squadron is attached to Air Force Reserve Command's 440th Airlift Wing. The security forces squadron is made up of citizen Airmen who volunteer to spend a minimum of one weekend a month and two weeks a year in military status. The rest of the time they are employed in the civilian sector. For more information on the 440th Airlift Wing visit www.pope.afrc.af.mil.