101 Critical Days of Summer

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Mark W. Graper
  • 354th Fighter Wing commander
Summer is just around the corner, and many of us are planning for our favorite warm weather activities - fishing, hunting, hiking, motorcycling, camping and more. All of our summer plans can be fun if we keep in mind the basics of operational risk management: Accept risk when benefits outweigh the cost; accept no unnecessary risk; anticipate and manage risk by planning; make risk decisions at the right level; assess and mitigate risk. Stated more simply, have a (prudent) plan, have a backup plan and have a wingman. 

Historically, the 101-day stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day carries with it a higher risk of death and injury to service members and their families than any other time of year because of the extended daylight hours, ideal weather, and extensive outdoor activity. For this reason, the Air Force recognizes the time from Memorial Day weekend through the Labor Day weekend as the "101 Critical Days of Summer." 

After a long, harsh Alaska winter, summer is a time for us to soak up some of the 18 to 22 hours of daylight we'll get each day. I encourage all Icemen to get out and enjoy the various natural wonders that make Alaska "The Great Land". It is also a time to be especially vigilant. Human beings are not at the top of the food chain in Alaska. 

As we enjoy our much-anticipated summer, keep safety in the front of your mind. Whether barbecuing in the backyard, setting out on a road trip or even just trying out a new sport, all of us need to think about our actions and the possible consequences. Again, have a plan, have a back-up plan and have a wingman. 

I especially ask your support in ensuring that whatever your summer time activity may entail, you and your wingmen do not drink and drive. While the 354th FW earned a goal day for a 60+ day DUI-free streak--and I am proud of you for that-- we have had too many DUIs in 2009 nonetheless. Do not put yourself or others at risk of grave injury or death by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol! 

The Iceman Team has worked hard and summer will be a great time to take a well-earned break and enjoy Alaska. In an effort to keep safety in the forefront of our minds, the Polar Press will be running a safety campaign this summer, with new tips published each week. Please take the time to read these articles so we can all enjoy the beautiful Alaskan summer - Safely. In so doing we will remain ready to go at fifty below--or seventy above.