101 Critical Days of Summer end

Published Nov. 20, 2006
By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
Public Affairs

Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Every active-duty member of Team Vance was present or accounted for as operations at the base resumed Tuesday after the Labor Day holiday.
The weekend also quietly closed the 101 Critical Days of Summer for Vance Air Force Base, as there were no fatalities or reportable off-duty injuries during Air Education and Training Command's "Operation Safe Summer-Zero Fatalities" campaign.
"This is great because this is what the campaign is about - reminding people to stay safe off-duty during their summer activities," said George Wagner from the 71st Flying Training Wing safety office. "No fatalities or reportable injuries says people are interested in looking out for their personal safety and the safety of others."
"Vance posted flawless performance in all areas highlighted by the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Air Force, AETC Commander and 19th Air Force Commander," said Lt. Col. Neil Woods, wing chief of safety. "Safety on the highway, safety in the water and responsible consumption of alcohol have been recurring themes related to summer injuries and fatalities, and Vance was perfect in keeping our people 100-percent fit for the mission. Safety and careful risk management save lives and keep families together, preventing the pain of loss for those left behind."
Across 16 Air Education and Training Command bases, two fatalities were reported through the summer. While some active-duty Team Vance members did sustain minor injuries off duty, they were not reportable and did not result in lost work time.
"Team Vance led the command in safely taking care of our people," said Col. Bryan Benson, 71st FTW commander. "We did a great job in protecting ourselves and each other."
(Editor's note: Although there were no active-duty incidents, Vance unfortunately lost two Computer Science Corporation members and one 71st Operations Support Squadron civilian's dependent Monday evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of their families.)