Wingman lessons I’ve learned from my son Published June 19, 2007 By Maj. Paul Pidgeon 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- Knowing our wingman responsibilities is crucial now that we're in the 101 critical days of summer. Much is made about what it means to be a good wingman, but it's really a matter of putting into practice common-sense lessons many of us have learned growing up. I recently shared a family story with my squadron that taught me some invaluable lessons on wingman responsibilities. It happened about seven years ago while I was sledding with some of my boys on a hill in my small Pennsylvania hometown. The hill was small, yet very steep, and it had several hard, ice-packed paths that sent sledders flying fast downhill for about 10 seconds. The older boys with me that day were fearless. Time and again, they'd zip downhill then trudge back uphill, laughing the entire way. However my youngest son, Matthew, who was 4 years old at the time, was afraid to sled by himself, so I tucked him between my legs and rode with him several times. Nevertheless, it was not long before little Matthew mustered the bravery of his older brothers and wanted to sled solo. So I carried him to the top of the hill, sat him upright in his sled, handed him the rope and proceeded to the base of the hill where I planned to catch him. Unfortunately, I lost control of the situation when Matthew leaned forward in his sled and began his descent while my back was still turned to him. Unaware Matthew was on his way toward me, I turned and, out of the corner of my eye, caught a glimpse of the body blow Matthew received from his oldest brother, Christopher, who was climbing up the hill. As a result, Matthew tumbled end over end and slid on his belly to the bottom of the hill where I was standing. His face was covered with snow, and he was crying. After brushing off Matthew's face and snowsuit, I furiously ran up to Christopher, pulled off one of his gloves, spanked his hand and then, while squeezing his cheek, I sternly asked him, "Why did you do that to your little brother?" I'll never forget his response. "Dad," he said with tears rolling down his eyes, "I didn't want him to hit the trees." Christopher had observed something I didn't: Matthew's sled angle was going to send him on a path headed directly into several large oak trees. Christopher saved his little brother by being a good wingman, even though he had to "clobber" him to do so. My son's actions illustrate three important lessons on what it means to be a good wingman. First, being a good wingman means knowing what dangers threaten our buddies. Secondly, being a good wingman means having the ability to know when someone is headed down the wrong path, and finally, being a good wingman means having courage to take immediate actions to help a buddy when danger looms, regardless of the consequences. So let's all remember our wingman responsibilities as we proceed through the remaining critical days of summer.