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819th RHS recognized for outstanding achievement in ground safety in 2006

By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston, 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office / Published March 02, 2007

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Officials recently announced the 819th RED HORSE Squadron as the winner of the 2006 Air Force Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award for ground safety. 

Safety programs that increased awareness and responsibility helped the 819th RHS win this award, along with a number of other safety awards throughout the year. 

"In depth risk assessments, meaningful safety briefings and a strong publicity program contributed to this award," said Col. David Funk, 819th RHS commander. "Everyone from the top down knew doing the job safely was everyone's role in the mission." 

In all areas, consistent pre-work safety briefings from all sites ensured safe operations with minimal incidents. Throughout the year, 500 troops were protected during 28 days of combat skills and live-fire convoy training in sub-zero temperatures. Expert risk analysis, and reduction or elimination of risks kept Airmen safe in their 220-day deployment to Southwest Asia. Dedication to operational risk management practices were also invaluable as 30 engineers worked through relentless rocket and mortar attacks while erecting facilities at Balad Air Base, Iraq; and mishaps at Bagram, Afghanistan were reduced by an outstanding 49 percent from the prior rotation, despite massive construction efforts, according to the award submission package. 

The only reportable Class C mishap throughout the 101 critical days of summer occurred when an individual broke a toe running to answer the door. With the exception of this minor mishap, the 819th RHS's safety record was spotless for the summer. 

"The sheer magnitude of 570 troops working more than 58 projects within four countries and 17 locations for 220 days in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility with only one Class C reportable mishap is what stands out most to me as the greatest accomplishment," Colonel Funk said. "That's huge!" 

While all this safety might get to one's head, the 819th RHS also remained aware of safety attitudes which prompted briefings warning troops about 'bullet-proof' syndrome. 

Also, motorcycle safety was at the top of the commander's priorities and briefings reminding troops that safety was as important during off-duty time as on-duty, lead to zero motorcycle mishaps. 

"Safety is a team effort that involves everyone in the unit, whether on or off duty, on and off base, all the time," Colonel Funk said. "In addition, Master Sgt. Walter Heath, 819th RHS chief of safety, is the safest man on planet earth." 

The 819th RHS won this award in 2004 and also won the following safety awards for 2006: 455th Air Expeditionary Wing chief of safety superior safety performer's award and the 379th unit safety award of distinction in May, as well as Unit Safety Award of Distinction by the Air Combat Command director of safety.
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