News

Critical days a time to be 'thick-headed'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Grant Saylor
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  As we approach the Critical Days of Summer campaign, when mishaps and accidents tend to spike, Air Force leaders are encouraging Airmen to be self-absorbed, flashy and thick-headed... so to speak.

That is, take care of yourself -- physically, spiritually, socially and emotionally -- so you can be an effective citizen airman and wingman. Be flashy: wear reflective, highly-visible personal protective equipment while participating in recreational activities like boating and motorcycling. And don't forget to be thick-headed; wear your helmet, especially when your cranium is crunch-prone. Think rock climbing, bicycling, waterskiing, motorcycling, and all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike riding -- things that so many Pacific Northwest natives live for, yet shouldn't have to die for.

"Please make safety a personal priority this summer, and keep an eye on your family and friends," said Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner, commander of Air Force Reserve Command. "Our ultimate goal is to achieve zero mishaps... doing so requires a personal commitment to safety from you."

Leaders around the 446th Airlift Wing here are working diligently to encourage Reservists to make safety and overall well-being a priority this summer. Their efforts are part of a broader Air Force focus that aims to reduce and prevent accidents and fatalities that hurt Airmen, their families and, in turn, the mission.

"We can get on our safety soapbox every day," said Tech Sgt. Darin Foster, a ground safety assistant with the 446th AW Safety Office. "But I think we're all guilty at one time or another of thinking 'that can't happen to me'."

Unfortunately, it can, as evidenced by the number of traffic collisions involving Airmen, which increased each year from 2009 thru 2011. Private motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of fatalities among Airmen. Accidents involving motorcyclists, especially sport bike riders, have increased the most dramatically, and have prompted renewed focus on keeping Airmen safe.

Foster a trooper with the Washington State Patrol, said the Air Force inspector general sent out what's known as a special interest item last fall, requiring commanders to ensure training is being made available to personnel who operate motorcycles on Air Force installations.

To that end, basic, advanced, and sport rider courses held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Main, are now offered free of charge several times each month to all Department of Defense personnel, including Reservists on active-duty orders.

Additionally, a 446th AW motorcycle club has formed to not only promote charity rides and esprit de corps, but also to encourage safe riding practices amongst its members. Wings on Wheels will place heavy emphasis on wearing all the required personal protective equipment all the time.

While staying safe on the road this summer will be a top priority, 446th AW leadership is also committed to keeping Reservists happy, healthy and whole.

"We are physical, emotional and spiritual beings," said Lt. Col. Robert Legg, 446th AW chaplain. "If any one part is unhealthy, it affects the other two."

Legg encourages citizen Airmen not to wait until they're at a breaking point in their lives to ask for help or simply for someone to talk to. He said the critical days remind us to look out for our brothers, sisters, and fellow Reservists.

"The reality is, we are our brother's keeper."

For more information on motorcycle rider class dates and times, contact the 446th AW Safety Office at (253) 982-2050. For information on Wings on Wheels, call Senior Master Sgt. Robert Cutchin, 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron and Wings on Wheels president, at (253) 982-5041.