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Wing Shadow Program gives Airmen big-picture view

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias
  • 92nd ARW Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Airman 1st Class Kyle Sweiderk, spent March 14 with Col. Scott Hanson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, kicking Fairchild's wing shadow program into high gear. 

"The program shows enlisted members and junior officers a day in the life of the wing commander," said Maj. Chris Amrhein, 92nd Air Refueling Wing executive officer, who coordinates the program. He went on to say the program targets airmen basic through senior airmen, and first and second lieutenants. "Those are the folks who don't necessarily get the bird's-eye view of what's going on around the wing." 

The program met its goal with Airman Sweiderk, who said his day was an eye-opener.
"I learned a lot about day-to-day operations around the base, and I was able to see how closely the group commanders work together," he said. "Running the base is a group effort; nobody works alone." 

Airman Sweiderk's day started at 6 a.m. with an hour-long physical training session with Colonel Hanson. 

The Airman then attended senior leadership and wing-level meetings, including the daily operations briefing and wing staff meeting. 

After lunch, Airman Sweiderk accompanied the commander on a dormitory walk-through. 

"We also got to see off Brig. Gen. (Robert) McMahon," he said, adding that he enjoyed speaking with the visiting Air Mobility Command director of logistics. 

In addition to opening new Airmen's eyes to wing operations, Major Amrhein said the Wing Shadow program is also a valuable benefit for leaders. 

"A key point of the program is for leaders to engage their Airmen," he said. "It's important for leaders to involve their young troops, and it helps Airmen to know that their chain is interested in their input." 

And Airman Sweiderk wasn't the only Airman to benefit from his day as a wing shadow. When he returned to the control tower and his coworkers, sharing his experience enabled many Airmen to gain a broader scope of and appreciation for wing operations. 

"I would urge supervisors to submit their Airmen for the program," he said, "and anyone who has the opportunity to participate should take it." 

From now on, groups within the wing will take turns providing the monthly shadow.