RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The 12th Flying Training Wing kicked-off the annual Air Education and Training Command summer safety campaign, entitled "Operation Summer Survivor - Zero In On Safety," Tuesday with seminars in the base theater and a wing-wide run.
Over the course of three one-hour sessions, John Drebinger, safety professional, conducted safety awareness briefings and discussed the importance of the 10-week campaign, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
According to facts from the seminar staff, during the summer months of 2006, the Air Force lost 18 Airmen, two from AETC. Since 2001, the Air Force has lost 165 Airmen during the critical days of summer. Factors such as speeding, not wearing seatbelts or helmets, and alcohol use were common in motor vehicle fatalities, which accounted for most of the losses.
In addition to the summer safety briefings, each unit planned specific safety agendas for their organization's safety program with special emphasis placed on alcohol use, heat-related stressors, fatigue, highway, motorcycle and water safety, seatbelt compliance and the Air Force wingman concept, said Linda Howlett, 12th FTW ground safety manager.
"Being a good wingman includes having a plan, and following through with that plan," said Ms. Howlett. "The key to effective mishap prevention, not just during the summer months, but throughout the year, is active leadership involvement and personal accountability."
The 12 FTW safety office will post presentations on its Web site, https://home.randolph.af.mil/12ftw-/wing/safety, for units assigned to Randolph to use.
"These presentations are intended for commanders and supervisors to use for raising safety awareness within their organization," Ms. Howlett said.
Throughout the summer safety campaign, the safety office, along with other unit volunteers, will conduct random seat belt checks to remind base drivers of the importance of buckling up.
"It's the responsibility of every member to apply personal risk management during all activities," said Ms. Howlett. "Develop a personal risk management plan, be a good wingman, and have a safe summer."
For more information on the summer safety campaign, call the safety office at 652-1842.