Airman's job requires safety in all aspects, at all times

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  I recently returned from a trip to Scott Air Force Base, Ill. It was a great trip with the exception of the brief excitement we experienced during our flight from Denver to St Louis. Our aircraft flew through the wake turbulence of a 747 which caused the plane to momentarily feel out of control. As you can imagine this scared a few of the passengers; a couple of them screamed. 

The lady sitting next to me, after letting go of my arm, said the pilot's inability to momentarily maintain control of the plane reminded her of why she hated flying. She said she'd rather drive than fly. I told her flying is much safer than driving.
In fact, according to the California Highway Patrol statistics, more than 4,000 people die from automobile accidents. In the past four months, we've lost two members of Team Travis to traffic accidents. 

We are extremely concerned about the safety of our Airmen. Especially in light of the recent dangerous and reckless behavior some of our Airmen (officer and enlisted) have been exhibiting lately. DUIs are higher than they were this time last year and several people have been seen departing the base at excessive speeds. 

Approximately three weeks ago, an Airmen was apprehended for traveling on Interstate 80 at a speed of 134 miles per hour...total disregard for the law and human life. I guarantee this is not the first time this Airman operated his vehicle recklessly; fortunately he was captured before injuring himself or someone else. I am embarrassed to say, he's not alone. 

Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the business of protecting and saving lives, not placing them in harms way. This type of imprudent behavior must stop before someone is seriously injured or killed because of idiocy. 

I believe some of the accidents which occur each year on our highways can be prevented if we make responsible choices. Take time to think through your decisions and understanding the ramifications of those decisions. Every decision we make comes with a consequence. For example, if we neglect the law and operate our vehicle at excessive speeds or drive under the influence, we've accepted the potential consequences of getting arrested, injured, harming someone else, dying or possibly committing manslaughter. Bottom-line, it is a losing situation for everyone.
Remember, we wear the uniform to protect and defend the rights of Americans...not to place their lives in danger. Every American has the right to operate their vehicles without fear of injury or death. We jeopardize that right when we elect to ignore the law and make irresponsible choices. 

Our core values are the bedrock of our existence...they must be more than just words we hear recited in speeches or have posted on our walls. They must help us make our toughest decisions, making sure we make the right choice in every situation. We must conduct ourselves as the true professionals we are; both on- and off-duty and make responsible choices. 

Be safe and I'll see you around campus.