Kadena takes on Community Quest, Wingman Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 18th Wing held Community Quest and Wingman Day to support and motivate by focusing on the Comprehensive Airman Fitness concept for Kadena Airmen Nov. 20-21.

CAF is described as a holistic approach to develop over-arching Airman fitness and fortitude. When the word "Airman" is referenced it encompasses military, civilian, and family members who all play a role in CAF.

The platform is a cultural shift in how to view and maintain fitness in a more comprehensive manner and enables Airmen to hold each other accountable to Air Force core values.

"Our job is to fight and win the nation's wars," said Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, United States Air Force Chief of Staff, during the senior leadership portion of the CAF training in August. "We'll never be good enough at it; we've got to get better every day. It's not an easy task, which is why Comprehensive Airman Fitness is so important. Our focus is on the well-being and care for ourselves, each other and our families so we can be more resilient to the many challenges military service brings."

Community Quest was modeled after the television show, The Amazing Race, and teams from various units competed in a base-wide scavenger hunt. The goal was to introduce Airmen to various organizations that are available to help them, including legal, the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention office, the Wired Bean and Karing Kennels.

Teams shared what they learned with their units during the first block of training for Wingman Day. Units were also responsible for discussing the Air Force core values and responsible drinking. After the morning briefing, units broke out and Airmen attended various courses for the remainder of the day.

More than 40 courses were designed to provide Airmen with an opportunity to learn something new and ranged from golf clinics and a fitness expo to leadership seminars and forums to help identify issues Airmen have at the base-level. Each of the courses was designed in line with the four pillars of wellness - spiritual, physical, mental and social.

"I'm so excited at the fact that so many agencies came together," said Lisa Velez, 18th Wing community support coordinator. "My favorite part of the process was our coming together and providing a product that isn't just needed, but valued."

According to Velez, Airmen were encouraged to choose courses that would personally and professionally resonate with them.

The Air Force has a long-standing tradition of taking care of its people and takes pride in the great strides it has made to improve the quality of life for Airmen and their families.