Safety tips from Todd

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Todd Wadkins
  • 932nd Airlift Wing Safety
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Here we are again at yet another "101 Critical Days of Summer." 

In light of all that Americans have endured within the last year, it's time
for us to unwind. However, before you let your hair down,
keep your guard up. 

Last year was a dismal summer for the Air Force as we lost too many "blue suitors" to mostly careless, thoughtless and, some, downright dumb mistakes. It seems that even though "risk management" has been pounded into every aspect
of our lives, we're still making poor decisions. 

Any time you ride a motorcycle, or sit in your car, take the time to look down the road that leads to a long and healthy life. 

I'm a big softie, and when I see you in uniform, I also see how your kids look up at you in that uniform and think that you're just shy of "Super Hero" status. What they don't
know is that wearing a uniform won't help you survive an accident like a seatbelt would. As you peruse the pages of this year's Summer Safety packet, look down at those big blue, brown, hazel, etc., eyes and promise them that you're going to do everything in your power to see them down the road. 

How are you going to accept risk this summer? 

First, make an effort to identify all of the hazards that you may come encounter. Fix and/or eliminate the ones you can, and manage the rest. 

Our folks that are deployed to various hot spots around
the world have been forced to accept tangible risks. Hopefully,
they will join their families very soon. When they do,
they'll want to make up for lost time. What better way to reacquaint
themselves than to take a much-needed vacation? I
encourage all of us to take a little time to spend outside these
gray and gray and gray (ABUs) uniforms. But when we do,
let's not forget how much our country relies on what we do
as reservists. 

Our response should not be to go out and look "risk" in
the eye and hope to live through it. This risk will present itself
in many forms: water sports, softball fields, sunburns, fireworks,
or even the family mini-van. 

Hopefully this article will remind and better inform you of some safe manner in which
to tackle the events that the summer has to offer. 

Good luck, God speed, ride free, and have a great summer.

You can find more information here:  101 Critical Days