CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, I hope your Memorial Day weekend was pleasant and restful.
I began my holiday weekend with more than 300 other chiefs at the Senior Enlisted Leader Summit hosted by the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley. The summit concluded last Friday with a banquet in honor of "America's Fallen Heroes." We honored the heroes of wars past as well as those from more recent conflicts. It was especially poignant to remember the sacrifice of our brave Airmen who gave their lives in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan because memories of them are still fresh in our minds.
With our country engaged in war and so many of our servicemen and women in harm's way, I trust you took the time to remember and reflect on the significance of this past Memorial Day. We do well to never forget.
The Memorial Day weekend also marked the official beginning of the Air Force's "101 Critical Days of Summer." As you know, this is the time when people start vacations and other summertime activities. Families begin to get out and become more active. Outdoor sports and other recreational activities begin to increase exponentially. With this increase in activity, it is important we also increase our vigilance toward safety as we enjoy time with family and friends. Historically, this is the time of year when accidents with injuries and fatalities increase. So, the message here is, be safe.
Convenient access to the water makes boating a popular pastime in Charleston. If you're a boater, make sure to get your boat checked and serviced before putting it on the water and don't forget the mandatory safety equipment. Also, I'm sure you know operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is as dangerous and illegal as operating a car under the influence. Please don't do it.
These notes of warning and others like them are not new. You've heard it all before. So, by now, they should be an integral part of your normal routine. It really comes down to exercising good judgment and managing risk to maximize safety. Be smart. It can make all the difference.
An ongoing campaign during the Memorial Day weekend is the national "Click it or Ticket" campaign. This campaign is designed to ensure motorists wear their seatbelts when driving or riding in a vehicle -- that includes backseat passengers as well. The campaign runs until June 1.
On a different note, I would like to congratulate our June promotees. Your promotion is an outward indication of your dedication to duty and pride in your work. You will be challenged to use your increased rank to mentor and help others. I encourage you to embrace that challenge. Look for ways to make your workplace better than the day before.
Finally, I extend my congratulations to the 437th Airlift Wing for capturing the Air Force Association Verne Orr award. It is no surprise to me that others recognize your award-winning commitment to excellence.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!