Wing takes time out for safety

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Beth Woodward
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  As Reveille played across Hill Air Force Base May 21, 388th Fighter Wing Airmen gathered inside a hangar on the aircraft ramp to kick off Safety Day events with a 1.5-mile formation run. More than 2,000 wing Airmen participated in the morning's run to focus on physical fitness.

Wing leadership paused flying operations and conducted a safety day in preparation for the "101 Critical Days of Summer," a time from May to September when Airmen are more likely to travel and participate in recreation events. Injuries are more likely to occur during these months.

"It's important for each one of you to know that whether you're preparing an F-16 for a mission or packing your car for a vacation, you have people that care about your well-being, love you, and depend on you," said 388th FW Commander, Col. Robert Beletic. "Please take time to think through your actions this summer."

Following the run, Airmen attended unit briefings and activities across Hill AFB to increase their awareness of on and off-duty safety issues.

Each event, such as motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, rock climbing and hand tool safety, issued stamps to participants. At the end of the day, Airmen with the most stamps earned gift certificates to the Base Exchange.

The 388th FW safety office, which organized much of the day's events, began planning Safety Day in February and aimed to make safety more than an occasional focus.

"In our culture, we don't always think about safety," said Maj. Kevin Menard, 388th FW acting chief of safety. "It's a mindset we need to encourage."

Air Combat Command mandates two safety days each year for its personnel. The wing held its last safety day in January 2007.