AETC commander urges safety first during "101 Critical Days of Summer"

  • Published
  • By Neil Townley
  • 17th Training Wing Safety
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Memorial Day is nearly here! For most, this means enjoying a day at the lake barbequing or maybe taking a vacation to visit with friends and family back home.

However, there is one more thing it should mean to you: your safety.

Memorial Day is the start of what we in the safety world call the "101 Critical Days of Summer." This is the period of time between Monday and September 2, which, statistically, produces a higher number of mishaps.

"Unfortunately, the Air Force lost 19 Airmen during this same period last year," wrote Gen. William Looney III, Air Education and Training Command commander, in a May 12 letter to AETC Airmen. "Mishap data revealed that 15 of those 19 fatalities were the result of personnel exercising poor risk decisions and judgment."

Vehicle mishaps, including motorcycles, continue to lead the way. We hear almost on a daily basis how we should wear our seatbelts, wear a helmet, don't drink and drive and drive defensively to the point where we may become complacent with these topics. It's the poor decision making process that usually gets us into a potentially life threatening situation.

"Private motor vehicle mishaps are increasing and alcohol use and unsafe driving practices are just two of the factors that we can affect through prevention methods and proper training," Gen. Looney added.

Water safety is another area of concern. Pools, lakes, rivers and beaches can be treacherous places if operational risk management is not taken seriously.

Commanders, supervisors and fellow Wingmen have to take an active and sincere role in the safety of our Airmen - both on and off duty. I challenge you to get involved. Without your direct involvement we cannot achieve the proper safety culture or attitude.

Our Air Force is the greatest Air Force there ever was, is or will be almost entirely because of the way we train. This training includes safety.

Please make safety your number one priority this summer. If you do not, our ability to fly, fight and win will be seriously degraded or even lost.

Our goal for this summer, as well as the rest of the year, is zero fatalities. This will be easily accomplished with your help.

"Taking care of our own - our Wingmen - on and off duty is everyone's responsibility," Gen. Looney wrote.

"Through strong leadership, proper guidance and personal responsibility, we can all have a safe, enjoyable summer."