“Street Smart” program kicks off Holiday Safety campaign

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The annual Holiday Safety Campaign was held at the Enlisted Heritage Hall here Nov. 15.

The campaign, presented by the 96th Test Wing safety office, reinforces awareness to Airmen and civilians about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; not wearing seat belts and e-mailing or texting while driving.

Attendees who filed into the hall were immediately gripped by graphic video presentations of simulated automobile accidents, with actors who brought realism to both driving under the influence of alcohol and texting while driving situations.

"You are important to Eglin's mission and leadership," said Col. Colin Miller, 96th TW director of safety. "We want everybody to come back safe from the holiday season. I want you to have fun, but please do it safely. Use good judgment and have a plan. We want you back for two reasons. The first is we can't do our job here at Eglin without you. You have a critical role in our mission capability. The second reason is we care about you. The Air Force is a family. If we lose any member of the family, the whole family suffers."

Ronnie Garcia and Greg McCarty, Florida Stay Alive From Education instructors, presented "Street Smart," an hour-long program, which combined slides, videos with audience involvement to show graphic accounts of people who suffered the consequences of driving after using drugs or alcohol.

The S.A.F.E. instructors also recommended responsible choices the attendees could make to have a safe holiday season.

Airman 1st Class James Bybee, a member of the 68th Electronics Warfare Squadron, was selected to act as a victim being transported to a hospital from an automobile accident scene. The instructors led the audience through short and long-term scenarios Bybee could possibly deal with as a result of injuries.

"The experience was eye-opening and uncomfortable," Bybee said. "But it was good information to have."

Garcia said he hoped the "Street Smart" presentation enhanced safety awareness and made the audience think about being responsible while celebrating the holidays.

"We greatly appreciate our Armed Forces members for what they do and the sacrifices they make," he said. "If anyone deserves to enjoy the holidays, it's them. This is a reminder to use common sense and make good choices during the season."