Critical Days of Summer: Independence Day Published June 10, 2009 By Mr. Scott Eck 20th Fighter Wing safety office SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Fourth of July, America's birthday, the day we celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, is rapidly approaching. In addition to the traditional celebrations many of us participate in, the 20 Fighter Wing Safety Office would like for everyone to celebrate an additional kind of independence: independence from mishaps. This year, pledge to be: INDEPENDENT from the hurt and emotional pain caused by the tragic loss of a loved one due to drinking and driving either a 4-wheeled or 2-wheeled private motor vehicle. INDEPENDENT from injuries sustained in a vehicle mishap due to lack of rest, speeding or failure to use or wear personal protective equipment. INDEPENDENT from being blinded or maimed by a fireworks accident. INDEPENDENT from spending the rest of your life in a wheelchair because you dive head-first into unfamiliar water. INDEPENDENT of being surrounded by emergency medical technicians trying to breathe air back into your lifeless body after rescuers have pulled you out of the ocean's riptides. INDEPENDENT from poor decision-making caused by a lack of poor risk-management skills. Make every day Independence Day. Use risk management!