A challenge to stay safe at Labor Day Published Aug. 29, 2008 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Are you ready for the weekend? Labor Day weekend is already upon us! Yes, I realize most of us are working Friday preparing for our 2008 Air Expo. And, yes the majority of our Airmen are working both Saturday and Sunday supporting the Air Expo. We're hosting the Thunderbirds this weekend and it's sure to be fast and furious so buckle up and enjoy the festivities! It's an opportunity for us to employ strategic communication to tell our Air Force story of how we are intimately engulfed in today's war, taking care of our Airmen and preparing for tomorrow's challenges. We'll have a captive audience, our platforms will be on display and our premier aerial demonstration team the Thunderbirds will fill the skies helping us celebrate this year's Labor Day. Labor Day, always the first Monday in September, was derived from the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of America's working class. It's our nation's tribute to the contribution workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. And, in most geographical locations, Labor Day is typically the last weekend of nice weather which culminates the summer. So, please bring your family out to enjoy the festivities. For those of you that are working, thank you for another sacrifice. However, I know we will find time to celebrate and you deserve it; but just remember it's all about safety and responsible choices ... especially this weekend. Historically, within Air Mobility Command, we experience a serious incident involving one of our Airmen. Therefore, based on previous year's data, we can expect someone assigned to AMC to be seriously injured or killed during Labor Day Weekend. Last year we broke that terrible cycle and we possess the power of choice to repeat last year's accomplishment. I challenge each of you to do your part to prevent this year's Labor Day weekend from becoming an AMC statistic. We all have the right to choose and the capacity to understand the consequences associated with our choice ... let's make smart decisions. We are on the verge of completing this year's 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign. This year's campaign has not been successful, compared to previous years, when you consider the incline in alcoholic-related issues we've experienced recently. Drinking and driving continues to take lives or destroy careers. Yet, some of us believe we're invincible, immune to being caught or impervious to an early departure from life. The one question that will forever remain a mystery is, "why do people decide to endanger their lives or an innocent bystander by drinking and driving when the alternative is much safer." The one thing I do know; there's nothing more precious than life ... please don't jeopardize your life or someone else's. Think through your decisions before you act. It's imperative you have a plan when you decide to go out and party with friends. We want you to enjoy your weekend, spend time with friends and family but do it responsibly. So please, have a great weekend and don't forget my challenge to you. And if God is willing we'll see everyone on Tuesday and AMC will have broken its Labor Day weekend trend. Always be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.