Be safe during Labor Day weekend

  • Published
  • By Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak
  • Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center commander
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  We are approaching the end of another Critical Days of Summer, the kids are back in school, and we are all thinking about the upcoming Labor Day weekend and taking some well-deserved time off.

Let us also remember to take time to reflect on our many successes this fiscal year and look forward to new challenges in the future.

The Air Force has lost 17 valued Airmen so far this summer, which continues an unwelcome trend of increasing fatalities for the last few summers.

While automobile fatalities have dropped this year to only three, motorcycle fatalities continue to rise, with eight recorded this year. The summer started out rough, with 10 of the 17 fatalities in the first six weeks.

Several miscellaneous fatalities could have been avoided with a few minutes of risk assessment before the activity; examples include drowning while not wearing a life vest and electrocution during home repair.

On a positive note, alcohol-related fatalities continue to drop - this is a trend we need to continue.

Within the AFNWC staff, we've only had two reportable mishaps, both minor fitness-related injuries. Fortunately, we've had no major injuries or fatalities in our organization -- we need to maintain this diligence, this weekend and throughout the year.

Pay attention to signs of stress or faulty coping mechanisms in yourself and those around you. Don't be afraid to say something or reach out to your wingman, helping agencies and leadership.

That is what we are here for. Additionally, never compromise safety or mission for any reason.

Both on and off duty, if you see someone taking unacceptable risk, report it to your supervisor or come talk to me and let's fix the situation.

Safety is the key to continued mission success. Supervisors are responsible to know what their folks are doing.

Ask the tough questions.

What are their plans?

How far are they driving in a day?

Do they know who their wingman is?

Have they performed a risk assessment?

AAA's survey for this Labor Day weekend indicates that more than 33 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles -- and the vast majority plan to drive.

None of us need to become a statistic while enjoying the long weekend.

In closing, I again encourage you to take your authorized time off.

Be safe. Look out for each other. Tanya and I wish our Air Force family a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

Keep in mind our deployed warriors and their families -- may they safely return to us. Thank you for all you do.