Put safety first this summer

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Slow down ... what's your hurry! I realize it's Friday, and the weather is beautiful. Nevertheless, I'm almost 100 percent certain that wherever or whatever you're rushing to, will be there even if you take your time. 

Typically most accidents occur when we take risks or we're not aware of our surroundings because we are rushing. This is the time of year, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, (referred to as the 101 Critical Days of Summer) when we historically have seen an increase in mishaps, fatalities, DUIs and other unfortunate accidents. 

In Fiscal Year 2006, we lost 45 Airmen to private motor vehicle mishaps and countless others were injured. Most of these could have been avoided with the proper risk management decisions. We are currently in week six of the 101 Critical Days of Summer Campaign and we've had two mishaps thus far; compared to this time last year when we had five ... we're doing better! 

It takes leadership - both from individuals and the chain of command - to prevent needless loss. Leaders at all levels must focus their attention on sound, disciplined approach to risk management, 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. 

When we swore the oath of enlistment declaring to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and to obey the orders of those appointed over us according the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, from that moment forward we were held to a higher standard. We have different rules and standards because being a war fighter is not like any other job. 

Being a war fighter means we are accustomed to sacrifice, and we will defend our country until the very end. We are cut from a different cloth, and as such America expects us to be Airmen at all times. When an Airman's conduct is not above reproach or is negligent in employing good judgment, it brings discredit upon Travis, the Air Force and this great Nation of ours. 

Gen. George Patton said, "Live for something rather than die for nothing." During the remaining weeks of the 101 Critical Days of Summer Campaign, I challenge you to slow down, take your time and make responsible choices. Take care of one another and take care of yourselves. Don't take unnecessary chances and place your life in danger or the life of an innocent bystander's at risk. Today you stand for something because you are an American Airman, don't do something stupid and die for nothing. 

Have a great weekend, enjoy the rest of your summer, be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.