Eglin begins 101 critical days campaign

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Hundreds of Airmen gathered at the Eglin Enlisted Hall most likely expecting to hear tales of horror, frightening life-changing-events that seemed to interrupt a victim's innocent plans of fun in the sun.

Instead, base leadership rallied the "troops" May 15 to inform the Team Eglin family about trends and threats everyone faces during the "101 Critical Days of Summer," especially for people 26 years of age or younger.

It wasn't about statistics because leaders knew how hard it would be to remember each one.

"Most important is for each of you to know you are important," said Col. Antonio Douglas, the 96th Test Wing vice commander. "If we lose one person, that is one too many. We can't get the mission accomplished without you. Your valuable to us and you are irreplaceable to your family."

Calculating the numbers show this season is the most dangerous time of year where the weather is nice and people take risks.

Beach safety, however, is important year round on the Emerald Coast, so Airmen were reminded of the signs posted in the area warning of rip currents and flag conditions.
"If you panic, you have taken one giant step toward drowning," said Robert Fusco, Eglin ground safety.

Another hazard in Florida can be unpredictable weather, so residents here have to be just as aware of weather alerts as they are cautious of beach conditions.

"If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning," Fusco said as a way of knowing when to seek shelter.

Guest speakers joined the Eglin team to share what they have learned about the local area.

Planning ahead was an important agenda item emphasized by Ashley Baily, a crime prevention specialist from the Okaloosa County Sherriff's Office. She gave examples of designating a driver, locking up vehicles to prevent burglary (common to this area) and current legislation in review to ban smart phone use while driving.

Baily said her office has 22 free programs and services to help the community and gave information pamphlets to the audience.

"We could provide all the training in the world, but if you don't take the time to be a good Wingman, we could be back in the range of 60-70 DUIs again this year," said Fusco.
Baily made it clear drunk drivers don't get a ride home from the deputies who pull them over; they get a ride to the correction facility.

With more than 400 Airmen in the auditorium, odds were someone in the room would get to experience the trip first-hand. Then guilty personnel would lose driving privileges and get a rank-removing farewell from the base commander.

Boating is no different than driving - multiple government and federal agencies can assist drivers and also arrest them, if they are under the influence.

"There are no traffic signs to regulate speed (in the water)," said Dallas Cochran, U.S. Coast Guard Station Destin. "You are responsible for everything you do. Numerous agencies out there can catch you."

To prepare in advance, he said the Coast Guard offers boating classes, free safety inspections of vessels and patrols of the water to provide aid where needed.
This time last year the base reported 38 DUIs and Eglin officials said it continues to be an issue.

"We are targeted at the age of 26 because we tend to get in more trouble," said Senior Airman Devyn Skinner, an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program and Treatment program technician who quizzed the audience to see how much they knew about alcohol use.

"Just because you feel fine doesn't mean you are," she said.

One drink usually measures at .02 which is why her office encourages the '0-0-1-3' concept of zero drinks if underage, zero drinks if driving, one drink per hour and no more than three drinks in an evening.

One event, where someone has more than three drinks, can put a person close to the category of "binge drinking," Skinner added. The statistic said five drinks for males and four drinks for females.

"We are not here to point fingers, but if you witness someone struggling, let them know about the ADAPT program," she said.

Eglin's ADAPT office welcomes self-referrals for any military member who would like to discuss alcohol-related issues.

A lesson in resiliency by the 96th Air Base Wing chaplain concluded the 101 day kick off. Chaplain (Col.) Rex Williams used a Biblical tale of an under 26-year-old shepherd boy who defeated a giant in an unexpected battle because he happened to have the right tools, preparation and fitness (physical, mental, social and spiritual).

"Know yourself; seek self-improvement and know your personnel; look out for their welfare," said Fusco. "If you maintain those two (leadership principles), you will be here Labor Day weekend. Never let the sun set on safety."