COMACC ACCent on winter safety

  • Published
  • By Gen. Mike Hostage
  • Commander of ACC
Don't hurt yourself.

That is my holiday safety message to all ACC Airmen: Don't hurt yourself. As we approach the holidays, we will all face situations that require us to make wise choices so we don't hurt ourselves or others. As commanders and supervisors at all levels concentrate on risk management, the Wingman culture and Comprehensive Airman Fitness, their leadership alone won't prevent mishaps and ensure a safe holiday season -- it also takes personal discipline and making smart decisions.

The powerful combination of involved leadership and personal discipline is the best formula we have for the safety and well-being of our Air Combat Command team.

Involved leaders help Airmen think through their travel plans to account for plenty of rest and changing weather conditions. Involved leaders care about their people and know what's going on in their lives, finding help for those who face situations that seem insurmountable. Involved leaders also encourage their teams to stay mentally, physically, socially and spiritually healthy -- Comprehensive Airman Fitness increases resiliency and mission effectiveness.

Commanders and supervisors are committed to giving ACC Airmen every resource possible to prevent mishaps and minimize risk ... but they can't be everywhere all the time. Through our individual discipline and wise decision making, we continue our leaders' efforts when they're not around.

Risk management requires participation -- it's not a spectator sport. Going into this holiday season, I encourage you to deliberately schedule your leave and travel plans. If driving, get plenty of rest, wear your seatbelts and watch your speed ... and don't drink and drive; just don't do it.

This is perhaps the most emotionally-sensitive time of the year -- have the courage to ask for help and have the courage to help each other ... holding each other accountable and being a good Wingman is part of our duty and it helps prevent self-defeating behaviors like suicide.

Have a joyous holiday season celebrating the things important to you and your families. And look out for yourselves and each other to stay safe and healthy ... your families and our Nation are counting on it.

I am honored to serve with you and I look forward to seeing you ... ALL of you ... in 2013.