The Air Force Reserve was created on April 14, 1948, through a proclamation by then President Harry Truman. That was only a year after the creation of the Air Force as a separate branch of the military. Originally, the Reserve was conceived as a “stand by” force for emergencies. In February 1997, the Air Force Reserve changed from a Field Operating Agency to a Major Command (MAJCOM). Since then, the 67,000-member force has evolved into the Air Force’s Wingman, performing the same missions and working side-by-side on the same equipment.

The traditional military definition of a “Wingman” refers to the pattern in which fighter jets fly. There is always a lead aircraft and another which flies off the right wing of and behind the lead. This second pilot is called the “Wingman” because he or she primarily protects the lead by “watching his back.” Using this model, the Air Force Reserve has evolved into the “Wingman” for the Air Force, by assisting in all the missions and undertaking more and more of the “at home” duties while those in the Air Force are deployed.

The Air Force Reserve has also evolved into “America’s Wingman.” For example, one of the unique missions of the Air Force Reserve is Weather Reconnaissance. The Reservists assigned to this mission are better known as the Hurricane Hunters. These crews fly C-130s into storm fronts approaching the coasts of the United States to determine their direction and intensity. This is the primary warning system for approaching hurricanes. In this manner, the Air Force Reserve functions as “America’s Wingman,” protecting the country. Another group of Reservists are the Pararescuemen or PJs. This is an elite force within the Air Force Reserve and, as trained paramedics, their primary mission is to rescue pilots and crews downed behind enemy lines. However, PJs have become very involved in the rescue operations when hikers become lost or injured in the mountains of the Northwest or the deserts of the West or off the coasts. In fact, the PJs were among the first on the scene to evacuate patients from hospital roofs during Hurricane Katrina. Again, the Air Force Reserve served as “America’s Wingman.”

To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Air Force Reserve, a public service announcement, called “America’s Wingman” was produced to honor those who live and work in their communities, yet still find the time to serve their country as members of the Air Force Reserve.