Don't become a Labor Day statistic Published Aug. 29, 2007 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Are you ready for the Labor Day weekend? Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 are your days off. It's sure to be fast and furious, so buckle up and enjoy your days off! 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 contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. In most geographical locations, Labor Day is typically the last weekend of nice weather which culminates the summer. So, take some time to relax you deserve it, but remember it's all about safety and responsible choices, especially this weekend. Historically driving Labor Day Weekend, we experience within Air Mobility Command a serious incident involving one of our Airmen leading to serious injury or death. However, we have the power to break that cycle. 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 one considers the increase in alcoholic related issues we've experienced here recently. Drinking and driving continues to take lives and 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 the life of 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. Think through your decisions before you act. It's imperative you have a plan when you decide to go out and party with friends. I want you to enjoy your weekend and spend time with friends and family, but do it responsibly. Regardless of what you're doing - camping, boating, biking, paint ball or whatever your outlet may be - please take/make time to perform a risk assessment. If you're drinking, have a plan and stick to your plan. Don't place your life or career in the hands of a slogan or some other commercial phrase, one drink is one too many to operate a motorized vehicle. No, I am not anti-0-0-1-3. The slogan 0-0-1-3 is great but half of you have absolutely no idea what it means and the other half of you will forget it once you consume your first drink. Well, let me help you, it means: -- Zero underage drinking -- Zero DUIs -- One drink every three hours and no more than -- Three drinks per night I don't want you to be the one saying I followed the slogan 0-0-1-3 after you were caught driving under the influence of alcohol. So please, have a great weekend and don't forget my challenge to you. And if God is willing, we'll see everyone on Sept. 4 and AMC will have broken its Labor Day Weekend trend. Always be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.