WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- While UTAs are traditionally among the busiest stretches of time for reservists, a higher headquarters-directed Wingman Day put all those mission demands on hold April 2.

Reservists first watched a video entitled “Remember the little things.” It featured Brig. Gen. Jay Jensen, 439th Airlift Wing commander, who told the reservists of the reason they were having to put their UTA taskings aside.

Lisa Delgado, the 439th Airlift Wing’s psychological health director, was one of the primary organizers of Wingman Day, which occupied most of the Sunday morning of the UTA. Reservists divided into discussion groups and took part in team-building exercises. The primary intention of the morning was for reservists to take stock of themselves – and each other.

“This was a reminder to take care of each other,” Delgado said. “We don’t know what people are struggling with. The more they’re exposed to information the more they retain. And this gave them an opportunity to connect with each other… or even re-connect.”

Delgado said senior Air Force leadership directed all wings in the Air Force Reserve to hold Wingman Day, with a date and time left to the discretion of the units. The wing’s civilian employees also received the training in late April.

“The better equipped we are to help each other – that’s what it’s all about,” she said. “We watch out for each other. That’s part of our responsibility.”

Editor’s note: The video mentioned earlier in this article is part of the monthly Channel 50 programming, also known as the Westover News Network. The public affairs office produces the cable channel, which is broadcasted on base in billeting, the Westover Club, and the fitness center. Channel 50 is also shown on eight local communities’ cable channels, including Chicopee, Springfield, and Granby.