Stand down reminds Liberty Wing to take care of themselves, wingmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Christin Michaud
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Liberty Wing took time away from typical duties this unit training assembly to reflect on some important issues during a Stand Down June 6.

The Stand Down, directed from the Air Force Chief of Staff, was an effort to remind Airmen about the importance of remaining vigilant to the well being of those around them as well as behind the wheel. Suicide prevention, motor vehicle safety and being a wingman were the topics addressed through videos, exercises and discussions.

"Our Airmen are our biggest asset," said Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th Airlift Wing commander. "Your well being and safety is one of my top priorities. I charge each of you to reflect on what you learned today, apply it to your lives, stick together and watch out for one another. Don't be afraid to seek help or assistance for yourself or a fellow Airman. Those are the principles of being a wingman."

With suicides in the Air Force on the rise the Stand Down came as Airmen begin the 101 Critical Days of Summer.

"During the first four months of this year 30 Airmen have taken their own lives," said Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, Jr., Air Force Reserve Command commander in a letter to Airmen. "Commander, supervisor and wingman concern for our fellow Airmen is the best defense in suicide prevention. Each of us should understand we could be in a position to stop these tragedies before they occur."

After concentrating on suicide prevention, the focus shifted to making the right choices when driving.

Private motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for Air Force personnel - a statistic which doesn't even include reservists unless they are on active status when the accident occurs, said Lt. Col. Donald Whitley, 512th AW Chief of Safety.

Colonel Whitley reminded people how dangerous texting while driving can be.

Texting while driving is approximately six times more likely to result in an accident than driving while intoxicated. For every 6 seconds of drive time, a driver sending or receiving a text message spends 4.6 of those seconds with their eyes off the road. That amount of time is long enough for surrounding drivers to slam on their brakes and potentially cause an accident.

Other reasons for the high vehicle mishap rate include erratic driving, inexperience, speeding and use of alcohol.

"Because most reservists serve part-time we face an additional challenge in taking care of our own, regardless of status," said General Stenner. "Take care of yourself, your family and your fellow Airmen."