Team Aviano kicks off the Critical Days of Summer Published June 1, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Nadine Y. Barclay 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- With temperatures beginning to climb, participation in outdoor sports and recreation also increase. Airmen and their families have started packing away their coats and long sleeves and reach for tanks, shorts and flip flops. "With the summer season finally here, Airmen are encouraged to exercise good judgment," said Staff Sgt. Jason Smith, 31st Fighter Wing Ground Safety noncommissioned officer in charge. "We need everyone doing their part here at Aviano, to achieve the goal of zero preventable mishaps for the Air Force." According to Air Force officials, 71 percent of summer-related fatalities in 2009 involved reckless behavior. Last summer, 21 Airmen lost their lives; 18 of those were involved in privately owned vehicle accidents. This year's safety awareness campaign kicked off with the half-day Wingman stand down day, which encouraged Airmen to focus on the safety and well-being of themselves, their wingman and their families. "The training that Airmen received during the Wingman stand down day is important to reiterate the importance of being a good Wingman both on and off duty," said Sergeant Smith. "By arming Airmen with the tools to avoid reckless behavior, exercise good personal protective equipment measures, engage in risk management, and finally to practice ACT, assess the situation, consider the options, and take the appropriate actions, we've hopefully saved our most precious asset, our people." In his summer safety message to Airmen, General Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, encouraged Airmen to remember and use the strategies passed on to them to prevent suicides and prevent motor vehicle accidents. "Use the strategies this summer and beyond to keep yourself, your wingman and your families happy and safe," said General Schwartz. For more information, call the 31st FW Ground Safety office at 632-1492.