Celebrate with safety in mind during the Fourth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zach Vaughn
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  With July Fourth quickly approaching and many servicemembers ready to travel, it's important to remember a few safety tips for the holiday. 

Last year during the Fourth of July, the Air Force had zero fatalities and leaders hope for the same number this year. 

However, seven Airmen have died this year during the critical days of summer, and each death takes its toll on the mission. 

"Airmen are our most valuable asset," said Master Sgt. Bart Craven, Air Combat Command Ground Safety operations manager. "We're doing more with less, and we're limited with the manpower we have, so we need to ensure that we protect those Airmen." 

One way to help protect Airmen is to make sure they know the consequences of making poor choices. 

"A lot of people have the tendency to think they're going to work half of the day and then jump in the car and drive 12 hours," said Master Sgt. Brian Meverden, ACC Program Safety noncommissioned officer in charge. "It usually doesn't work too well." 

Having both a good wingman and solid plan can make a big difference in staying alive. 

"If you're going to be going out on the town and drinking, then you need to have a wingman or designated driver to ensure that you get home safely so you don't make bad decisions," said Sergeant Craven.

To prevent making bad decisions, Sergeant Craven recommends Airmen stop, think and then act.

"In other words, Airmen need to stop before they act, think about it, and then if it's safe, they act upon it. If not, then they need to go back and rethink the process," he said. 

Every unit's chain of command also plays an important role in their Airmen's safety. 

"The biggest thing that commanders and supervisors can do is know what your people are doing," Sergeant Meverden said. "It's going to be a long weekend, so go out in the shops before they take off, and if they're going to travel, then make sure they have a plan. Get into the details and keep them accountable."