'Stand Down 2010' to be implemented over June UTA

  • Published
  • By Col. Glen Baker, Base Vice Commander
  • 137 ARW
June 2010 --  Due to a number of recent fatal mishaps and suicides, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force has directed all United States Air Force units to conduct a half day stand down called "Stand Down 2010".
The objective of the Stand Down 2010 is to call attention to the tragic loss of Airmen to private motor vehicle accidents, to call attention to the rise in Air Force suicides, and to reenergize the Wingman concept as the foundation approach to unit safety and suicide prevention.
Stand Down 2010 is designed to encourage wingmen to be vigilant of these and other dangers by devoting time for structured unit discussion of these important topics.
Leading the Stand Down will be your commanders and their subordinate leaders who are best positioned to meet the needs of their units and to lead small group discussion amongst Airmen who work together.
All members will use this time to reinforce prevention strategies and to emphasize proper wingman values.
The concept of operations for Stand Down 2010 include the Message Home Video and guided small group discussions amongst peers.  This will encourage members make better choices that will reduce the numbers of private motor vehicle mishaps and suicides. 
This half day is not intended to be burdensome.  Time and Resources should be devoted primarily to these small group discussions and emphasize awareness, accountability, team building, communication, and interaction, not one-sided lectures.
I encourage each member to take these small group discussions seriously, identify their wingman, and reembrace the Wingman Concept.
It is often said that the greatest asset in the Air Force is its people.
Let us prove this undeniably true at the 137th Air Refueling Wing by doing our part to protect that asset.
Avoid the reckless behaviors that lead to motor vehicle accidents like, excessive speed, alcohol, and fatigue.
Be vigilant in looking for the warning signs of distress, watch out for your wingman, and know that your supervisors can connect members with services available to help, before a problem becomes a crisis.