Summer Safety Fair alerts Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 354th Fighter Wing Safety Office held its annual Summer Safety Fair May 26 at the Thunderdome from noon to 4 p.m.

Every year around this time, the wing safety office puts together an awareness event for Airmen, their families and friends. It serves Eielson and the nearby community by providing a one-stop center helpful tips, tricks, safety equipment and gear to enjoy Alaska's great outdoors.

"We hope Airmen take away some safety tips, useful on-duty and off-duty," said Patrick Wilson, the 354th Fighter Wing Occupation Safety Health and Voluntary Protection Program manager. "It's about awareness and getting everyone involved so everyone included can cope with summer dangers appropriately."

Airmen's awareness is critical to preventing mishaps. It is because of this fact that the installation's leadership spends a great deal of time and energy to ensure the men and women who put the uniform on every day remain safe.

Though aimed at Airmen, the Safety Fair was available to everyone who has access to the base. The information benefited a wide-range of people from military spouses to Department of Defense employees.

Numerous on-base agencies worked hand-in-hand with the local community to create an inviting and engaging event that presented the audience with good information.

According to Mr. Wilson, this year's fair was one of the largest to date as the event was held at the Thunderdome. The large structure was selected for its ability to host the safety fair's numerous static displays.

Several Airmen joined at the safety fair after their scheduled commander's call. Eielson's Airmen took interest in the fair's static displays including an aircraft from Eielson's 18th Aggressor Squadron as well as a smorgasbord of mishap prevention tools.

People rushed to the event to catch a glimpse of an F-16 Fighting Falcon and other static displays including the 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk, Guardian Flight's King Air, and even North Pole Fire Department's interactive fire safety trainer, also known as the Smoke House. The static displays were appreciated by everyone, especially the Fire Department's Smoke House, which allowed individuals to safely maneuver through the simulated effects of a smoke-filled environment and learn an invaluable lesson in case of an emergency.

The event's success was due in large part to the contribution and coordination of the local community. Eielson welcomed support from numerous local businesses as well as the cooperation of local law enforcement.

Lance Mackey, four-time Yukon Quest and four-time Iditarod Champion, showed his support by coming as a special guest. His experience in the Iditarod and Yukon quest served as a helpful resource for outdoor enthusiasts as well as an opportunity to meet one of the state's premier dog mushers.

Mr. Mackey expressed his gratitude to the installation and the community's local vendors who have made Alaska's sport possible. He explained that almost every vendor has made significant contributions-from specialized equipment to support kennels or in-kind donations, adding to the success of dog sled racing.

"It's a no brainer coming out to these kinds of events and it's also important," said Lance Mackey, dog musher and dog sled racer. "It gives me a chance to thank the numerous contributors to my sport."

The distinguished dog musher takes pride in his knack for raising champion sled dogs. Neither he nor his dogs are strangers to the dangers of Alaska.

"You have to make sure you are ready for everything," said Mr. Mackey.

The Air Force takes pride in the continuous improvement of quality of life for Airmen and their families. Through displays and presentations, Eielson's Annual Summer Safety Fair provides a fun way military members and their families on benefits of safe practices and available resources.