Being safe pays off

  • Published
  • By Airman Sondra M. Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Labor Day marked the end of the Air Force-wide safety campaign -- 101 Critical Days of Summer; it also marked the end of the Battle of the Squadrons at Holloman AFB.

The 101 CDOS is an annual campaign that begins on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day each year, and is aimed at reducing the number of mishaps that, statistically, occur more during the summer months.

The 49th Fighter Wing Safety office put their own twist on the campaign by holding a Battle of the Squadrons contest to solicit base-wide participation in risk assessment and vigilance during the 101 Critical Days of Summer, said the 49 FW ground safety superintendent, Master Sgt. Christopher Brown.

All 49 FW squadrons were broken down into groups, large, medium and small, according to its size and on September 10, the winning squadrons were announced. The first, second and third place winners in the large category were the 49th Operations Support Squadron, 49th Maintenance Squadron, and 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. For the medium category, first, second and third place went to the 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron, 49th Communications Squadron and 49th Materiel Maintenance Support Squadron. First and second place for the small category were the 7th Fighter Squadron and 49th Comptroller Squadron.

"Squadrons that were proactive in the competition were awarded points for encouraging safety throughout the base," said Sergeant Brown.

For example, points were awarded for mishap reduction, safety article submissions, conducting safety classes, handing out safety article to the base populist and seatbelt checks.

Points were also deducted for such things as driving under the influence (DUI), traffic violations and having more than one mishap per week.

The first, second and third place winners for the large and medium squadrons received money to use for quality of life initiatives, as well as the first and second place winners from the small squadrons.

"It's important to remember that even though squadrons are awarded money for competing in the competition, the most important lesson is that safety is important and needs to be part of our thinking and daily lives," said Sergeant Brown.

According to Sergeant Brown, six squadrons reduced their amount of 101 CDOS mishaps by 50 percent or more and minor mishaps on base were down from last year's 109 to 83, he added.

"I think Battle of the Squadrons was an excellent idea!" said 49 FW First Sergeant Master Sgt. April Owen. "It gave some friendly competition to the 101 CDOS. It also gave squadrons a chance to provide safety related articles, maybe from personnel experience, while earning points toward being the winner."

Although only a few squadrons were rewarded with money, many squadrons were rewarded with a reduction of mishaps because of their vigilance, making this year's 101 CDOS a success.

"A mishap can occur at any moment, and generally it will occur when you least expect it, when you're the most comfortable in your actions," said Sergeant Brown. "Think about it, it may just save your life."