WASHINGTON -- Airmen and Guardians,
Our summer safety and health focus period runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
As the weather warms, we encourage our Airmen and Guardians to make the most of this time with your family and loved ones, but also ask you to do so with a renewed emphasis on staying healthy and avoiding injury.
Longer days and outdoor and recreational activities are highlights of the summer months. This exposes us to more risks, and when unmanaged, those risks can result in more injuries and illnesses.
Sadly, during last year’s summer focus period, the Department of the Air Force lost 15 service members due to preventable mishaps. Motor vehicle operations and water-related activities were the leading cause of those fatalities. One mishap is one too many!
Simple actions – such as wearing a seatbelt or motorcycle helmet, putting on a proper life preserver, or focusing on the road and not your cell phone – save lives.
Additionally, as pandemic-related travel and gathering restrictions ease, we must remain vigilant in following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense Force Health Protection Guidance.
As more vaccines are administered and Coronavirus restrictions are lifted, the continued health and safety of you and your family remains our priority. I trust all of you to remain vigilant and watch out for your fellow Airmen, Guardians, and loved ones.
Be safe, enjoy your summer, and continue to lead by example in the world’s greatest Air Force and Space Force.