Home from the Holidays

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Rick Sheffe
  • 615th Contingency Response Wing Chief of Safety
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Last week, I sat in on a safety briefing explaining the findings of two fatality investigations. These briefings have unfortunately become somewhat routine for commanders, first sergeants and safety staffs. We continue to struggle with the No. 1 cause of Airman fatalities: alcohol-related motor vehicle mishaps.

As we celebrate the holiday season, I would like to offer an approach to this problem that is often discussed, but not always implemented. It is an "in-your-face" approach that creates a layered defense for our Airmen by implementing the wingman concept from the top down.

First, I encourage commanders to identify Airmen in their unit that could be considered high risk and have face-to-face engagements with those Airmen. Most are aware the 18-25 age group continues to be our most at-risk group. However, commanders should also consider other, not so obvious groups such as those returning from deployment, those who are dealing with personal crisis or those who are vacationing in locations that may make them more susceptible to poor decision-making.

Second, I encourage supervisors to go overboard and be in the face of those they supervise. Caringly ask your Airmen for the details on weekend or holiday plans and help them mitigate potential problems. This approach may seem harsh or intrusive, but it is practiced with much success in some of our sister services. You may be the last chance to raise a flag before a mishap. You could save a life!

Finally, I encourage wingmen to aggressively engage in the heat of battle. Watch out for each other with eyes wide open. Make every effort to stop a bad chain of events at the bar, party or private setting. If a friend is beyond your control, bring in backup, even if that means local police, a first sergeant or commander. Choosing to save a life should trump concerns about being the "cool" friend.

Regardless of how you engage as wingmen, always remind your fellow Airmen to their face that you care for them and that they matter to you and the mission. Looking out for each other at all levels will help ensure we all come home from the holidays safe and sound.