Safety Day kicks off ‘101 Critical Days of Summer’ campaign

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Last year, 16 Airmen lost their lives during the Air Force named "101 Critical Days of Summer," which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Within Air Combat Command, all deaths were attributed to motor vehicle mishaps.

"These horrific fatalities impacted the lives of families, friends and co-workers and had an unacceptable negative impact on the mission," wrote Gen. John D.W. Corley, ACC commander in a message to commanders. "Each and every Airman is precious and valuable and demands the very best safety education, training and support we can provide."

At Mountain Home Air Force Base, that education was offered to all Gunfighters during Safety Day held May 15.

With the help of numerous vendors and public service organizations along with participation from thousands of Gunfighters, Safety Day and the 101 Critical Days of Summer have kicked off with a bang.

"Overall the event was a huge success" said Matt Chandler, 366th Fighter Wing safety day organizer. "We got great feedback from wing members and we look forward to doing another event like this next year. This is the first year the wing's safety office has organized the annual Safety Day event this way and with the success that it gained this year, it will likely not be the last."

The vendors and organizations spent the day educating Gunfighters on the importance of safety both on and off duty. Demonstrations included a vehicle extraction and fire extinguisher training from the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention Flight, the Citizens Against Poaching trailer provided by Idaho Fish and Game, sobriety testing from the Idaho State Police, motorcycle skills demonstration from the Mountain Home Police and the Mountain Home 200 Beer Goggle Golf Cart Challenge provided by the 366 Security Forces Squadron.

"The Safety Fair is the perfect kickoff to the 101 Critical Days because it highlights many of the outdoor activities people in Idaho enjoy," said Randy Danner, 366th FW Safety Office. "It's important to remember that with the start of the 101 Critical Days, riskier activities tend to take place that can seriously injury or even kill someone. Please take the time to plan ahead and take all appropriate safety precautions before heading out on your next summer adventure."