COMPACAF shares holiday safety message

  • Published
  • By Gen. Gary North
  • PACAF/ CC
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hi. --  The holiday season is rapidly approaching. It is a time to rejoice, reflect and enjoy the season and our families. We give thanks for our freedoms and the sacrifices our Airmen and their families, who as part of the joint team, preserve. Yet, it is statistically the second most dangerous period of the year for Airmen. Our holiday season will be filled with festive events and activities that will cause distractions - and distractions often lead to accidents. According to the National Safety Council, this is also one of the most stressful times of the year where accidents, and yes, suicide attempts significantly increase.

I ask each of you to be good wingmen and take care of each other. As Airmen - we need to be ready to point our wingman in the right direction; intervene as necessary if you find a fellow Airman, friend or family member in trouble and get them back to "home base" safely, and when required, we have many services and resources available to help work through the problems, if you need help, reach out and ask!

Our goal for this holiday season is zero preventable fatalities - we achieved this goal in 2009 and can do it again this year. It will take extraordinary effort from all our Airmen and family members to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. I urge each of you to act responsibly in all activities - remain vigilant while cooking, playing sports, entertaining and traveling.

As we celebrate the holiday season here at home, we are forever mindful of the many servicemen and women abroad and separated from their loved ones. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season. "Detached mutual support" is a large part of our expeditionary air force.

I am proud of each of you and our command. We need you in 2011! We can never take time off from safety - enjoy the season and the freedoms each of you serve to protect. My very best to you, your families and units for a safe, happy and joyous holiday season.