An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

Critical 101 days start

  • Published
  • By Tarsha Storey
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Fighter Wing will kick off the 101 Critical Days of Summer with a safety day May 19. 

More than 30 years ago, the 101 Critical Days of summer began as a way for Air Force leaders to encourage Airmen to be careful for their own safety and to encourage the Airmen around them to live and work safely. 

“Last summer, the Air Force lost 29 Airmen in accidents. Air Combat Command lost six Airmen. Most (losses), if not all, were preventable. Our goal (this year) is zero mishaps -- that takes strong leadership, relevant training and all of us looking out for each other during an enjoyable and mishap-free summer,” said Gen. Ronald Keys, ACC commander. 

In 2005, Shaw had a total of 46 mishaps, including the loss of one life. Another Airman lost a leg. During the 101 Critical Days of Summer, there were 19 mishaps. The mishaps were primarily off-duty incidents, said Linda Carter, 20th Fighter Wing ground safety chief. 

Safety day at Shaw will focus on several topics such as traffic environments, personal risk management, personal crime safety, how to avoid alcohol related incidents and a ‘beer goggles’ demonstration to show members the affects of alcohol on a driver, said Ms. Carter. 

One key to safety when off duty is not to pack too many activities into a weekend or a vacation. Failure to do this increases the chance of a mishap, said Ms. Carter. 

During the summer, Shaw members have more opportunities to get out and enjoy the summer weather. Unfortunately, there are also increased opportunities to make mistakes and have accidents, said Tech. Sgt. Mark Kuykendall, 20th Fighter Wing NCO in charge of ground safety. 

Because each squadron has different safety threats and exposure opportunities, individual squadrons will tailor a portion of their safety day programs to meet squadron needs, said Sgt. Kuykendall. 

Each and every Airman is encouraged to use the wingman concept and help ensure everyone lives to see another summer, said Ms. Carter. 

“Think about what you’re doing and watch out for your wingman. When we reach Labor Day, we want to have the same number of lives we started with,” said Ms. Carter. 

In 2005, because of information and focus initiatives from Airmen, Gen. Keys said ACC was able to reduce fatal mishaps by 30 percent. o.