101 Critical Days of Summer Published May 23, 2008 By Air Force Reserve Command SCOTT AFB, Ill. -- Now that we are getting ready for summer we must also start to prepare for the beginning of the 101 Critical Days of Summer. As Airmen it is our responsibility to look out for our fellow Wingmen to ensure we are able to accomplish our mission and perform it safely. The 101 Critical Days of Summer is the time of year when the Air Force experiences the highest number of mishaps off-duty, which in turn hinders our ability to Fly, Fight, and Win. Last summer alone, the Air Force lost 19 Airmen in preventable accidents during the "101 Critical Days of Summer." Vehicle mishaps accounted for the majority of our losses, eight in all; motorcycle accidents were close behind with six losses. Changing the culture is the key to mishap prevention. In order to change the culture we must promote safety in everyday work on and off-duty instead of allowing priorities and increased ops tempo to draw us into taking shortcuts. Additionally, we must create a supportive atmosphere to foster safety as a core value, establish a framework rather than a "to do list," and determine organizational values to empower the culture and core values. Commander messages are important, but it is the peer-to-peer influence that has the greatest effect on our personnel. Simply put every one of us must actively identify and take action to rid any safety and health hazards both on and off duty. Any Wingman that is sidelined by preventable injuries costs the Air Force both time and money. The Air Force needs you; America needs you to be ready for the fight. Be a part of the solution and help decrease mishap rates by looking out for each other and being a good Wingman. I hope you and your family will enjoy these beautiful summer months together safely. Mishaps can only be reduced by your involvement. Get involved and be a good Wingman!