101 Critical Days of Summer begins

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Memorial Day marks the beginning of an Air Force-wide safety campaign.

The 101 Critical Days of Summer, running from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is a safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of accidents and mishaps during a time of year when mishap and accident rates traditionally increase. This year, the campaign will run from May 23 to Sept. 2.

During this period Airmen are at greater risk because they spend more time traveling and engaged in outdoor activities. In 2007, the Air Force lost 19 Airmen during the 101 Critical Days of Summer. The leading cause of fatal mishaps continues to be off-duty private motor vehicle mishaps, followed by water sports and drowning.

"Whether traveling at excessive speeds, driving while fatigued, failing to fasten seatbelts, drinking then driving, or not using personal flotation devices, the sad news is that all of these mishaps were preventable," said Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in a recent Letter to Airmen.

Although the 35th Fighter Wing did not experience any fatalities during the 101 Critical Days of Summer in 2007, it did have nine Class C and 73 Class D mishaps involving injuries and/or damage to Air Force property.

"These mishaps ranged from sprains and strains up to broken bones and 88 lost work days," said Master Sgt. Kenneth Holloway, 35th Fighter Wing ground safety manager. "In addition to the pain suffered by injured personnel, the 35th FW recorded property loss of more than $22,000. It is important to remember that a lost day of work for one person or unnecessary damage is basically extra work that must be made up by the rest of the unit."

A key part of a successful 101 Critical Days of Summer involves commanders, managers, supervisors and personnel at all levels being aware of what is going on around them and making responsible risk management decisions. The campaign also calls for people to be good wingmen.

"Our core objective for this campaign follows our wingman heritage of 'Airmen taking care of Airmen,'" said Maj. Gen. Wendell Griffin, U.S. Air Force Chief of Safety. "Our campaign focus area will be involvement at all levels, supporting ultimately our wingmen, commanders, first sergeants and you, in saving lives and protecting resources. It's your responsibility to take care of each other. If you see a hazard, report it or fix it. If you see someone starting to do something that makes the hairs on your neck stand up or your gut knot up, don't look away - be a good wingman and do something about it."

Secretary Wynne and General Moseley have challenged the men and women of the U.S. Air Force to make the 2008 the safest summer on record.

"We cannot afford to lose a single Airman," stated the Letter to Airmen. "Our ability to accomplish the mission depends on each of you. Be smart, emphasize risk management, and remember Airmen take care of Airmen."