TOP STORY >>Being a Wingman not always enough

By Brig. Gen. Wayne Schatz
314th Airlift Wing commander

This week Team Little Rock said goodbye to one of our Combat Airlifters. Tech Sgt. Aaron McCoy died in an accident last week.

As I saw the funeral arrangements being made and thought about what I could possibly say to his family and his fellow Airmen, I was struck by two thoughts.

First, sometimes you can do everything right and still have something go wrong. Aaron was a skilled motorcycle rider.
He had attended the courses, wore the proper protective equipment and was obeying the law.

It wasn’t dark, it wasn’t raining, he hadn’t been drinking.

But because someone else wasn’t doing everything right, Aaron, his family and the Air Force have now made the ultimate sacrifice – needlessly.

Which brings me to my second point. I speak everyday of being a good Wingman. We are taught to look out for our fellow Airmen and to make sure that we’re doing the right things always, not only for ourselves but for those we serve with.

I ask you to pause and think of the McCoys. And then think about your activities and how about how you go about business.
The next time you’re in a hurry, consider that slowing down might save the life of someone you’ve never met. Being late is always better than being in an accident.

Save your phone calls for when you’re parked. No one phone call is more important than paying attention to the road.
Being a Wingman doesn’t just extend to your Air Force family. It is much greater than that.

It is key to being a good citizen, a good American and a good human being.

Thanks for your service! Combat Airlift!