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Quest for Zero is summer safety theme

  • Published
  • By Douglas Hays
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., --  Memorial Day weekend is more than a time to reflect on loved ones lost, it is also the unofficial start to summer and the start of summer safety campaigns.

“The Air Force used to have the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign,” said Master Sgt. Zack Chapin, 434th Air Refueling Wing’s occupational safety technician. “While in theory it still exists, the focus is changing to a quest for zero effort to eliminate all mishaps.”

The transition from critical days to quest for zero is recent, but the outcome remains the same.

“We stress travel, water, and motorcycle safety,” Chapin said. “We always foot-stomp risk management as well.”

While Grissom was successful in 2015 in avoiding serious injuries and mishaps to employees, the Air Force wasn’t as fortunate.

The Air Force had 22 major mishaps last summer to employees both on and off duty.

“Here in the Midwest, the winters can be long and tough,” said Col. Paul Gates, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. “When summer comes we’re anxious to get out and enjoy the weather but we need to do so safely.

“We need everyone to perform at our best in the wing, and being safety conscious is a vital part of achieving that,” he added.

As people get out and enjoy the warmer weather and outdoor activities, supervisors should routinely brief their folks on safety, Chapin said.

To help supervisors, information is available in the book racks outside the safety office and online.

Throughout the summer the base safety office will send out reminders and tidbits of information to help unit members remain focused on the quest for zero mishaps.

“Work hard, play hard, be smart, be safe is a mantra that we all can live by,” Gates added.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer