Safety an important part of summertime fun Published May 30, 2008 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Command command chief TRAVIS AFB, Calif. -- Slow down ... what's your hurry! Yes, it's Friday and the weather is beautiful; nevertheless, I'm certain that where ever or what ever you're rushing to will be there if you take your time and arrive safely. Typically most accidents occur when we're not aware of our surroundings because we are rushing or we take risks. Fortunately, last weekend, Memorial Day weekend, Team Travis was injury free ... great job! Memorial Day weekend for me was a time for reflection, remembrance and a time for fellowship with family and friends. However, it was also an indicator that the summer season is almost upon us and it's also the weekend we launch our101 Critical Days of Summer Campaign (Memorial Day - Labor Day). Summer is usually filled with beautiful weather, parties, barbeques, vacations and a host of other outdoor activities. Yet, this particular season also produces an increase in safety mishaps, fatalities and opportunities for reckless behavior. Historically during the 101 critical days of summer we've seen an increase in mishaps, fatalities, DUIs and myriad of other untimely accidents. In fact, last year during the 101 critical days of summer the Air Force experienced 19 fatalities, 2 injuries resulting in total disability, 5 partial disability, 19 alcohol related mishaps, and 556 sports and recreation injuries...wow! Most of these accidents and injuries could've been avoided with the proper risk management decisions. We are currently in week two of this year's campaign we've already experienced two mishaps; one permanently disabled. We must ensure Airmen at all levels understand the importance of smart personal risk management and being good wingmen. But it takes leadership involvement - from the top of the member's chain of command down to the frontline supervisors...we all have a role. Leaders at all levels must focus their attention on a sound disciplined approach to mitigating risk, and the importance of educating our Airmen on making responsible choices. Making responsible choices isn't just about safety; it's a mindset that should guide our way of life. Our Airmen are the most highly trained, equipped and prepared ever in the history of our Air Force and yet, some don't understand why we must exercise good judgment when we're off-duty and out of uniform. Gen. George Patton said, "Live for something rather than die for nothing." During the 101 Critical Days of Summer Campaign I challenge you to slow down, take your time and make responsible choices and remember Airman take care of Airman. Don't take unnecessary chances and place your life in danger or put the life of an innocent bystander's life at risk. Today you stand for something because you are an American Airman, don't do something stupid and die for nothing. Most of the time when Airmen make irresponsible choices and find themselves in a precarious situation, they wake up the next morning (if they wake) saying to themselves, "Man! Why did I do that?" I want them to think about the consequences of their actions before the next morning. Have a great weekend and let's make 2008 the safest summer on record! As always; be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.