Wing CC: Warriors should think safety this Independence Day

  • Published
  • By Col. Sandy Finan
  • 341st Space Wing commander
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As we get ready to celebrate our nation's birthday, we do so as a military force engaged in war. The July 4 holiday is a time for celebration of the freedoms our great nation enjoys. It is also a time to honor our heroes who have made those freedoms possible. 

From our Founding Fathers to the servicemen and women of today's most powerful military, we honor the sacrifices they've made for the freedoms we enjoy. 

As we prepare to take leave, grill out, watch fireworks and enjoy the holiday, I ask that you remember the men and women that aren't home to celebrate. Team Malmstrom will have nearly 100 members deployed overseas and another 400 deployed to the missile complex July 4. 

I'd like to take this chance to thank each and every one of them, and all of you, for all of the hard work our team puts in day-in and day-out to keep our nation free and strong. 

Because of men and women like you, the rest of us can celebrate freedom this holiday. 

I'd also like to remind you to make safety a part of your plans for the fourth. If you are going out of town, have a plan to get to your destination and back home safely. If you are going to grill out or shoot fireworks, do so in accordance with the proper safety precautions. 

Supervisors - know what your subordinate's plans are and make sure you talk to them about keeping safety in mind. 

If you are of legal drinking age and choose to drink, do it responsibly. Make good plans to get from point "a" to point "b" safe and sound. Remember, if those plans fall through, call your supervisor or a cab. As a last resort, the base AADD program is available by calling 788-HOME. Taking the "I think I can make it" chance is not worth your career. 

Another note of caution is fireworks use. Fireworks and alcohol don't mix - that's how people get hurt. Remember, if you choose to shoot fireworks, there are directions for use on the package ... read them! 

As a reminder, fireworks of any kind are illegal on Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Security Forces Squadron will have patrols out and about over the holiday writing tickets to violators. 

Chuck and I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July - get out there and enjoy it! You have certainly earned the time off following the high work-tempo we've sustained the past few months. You are the very best at what you do - we have the inspection results to back that up - and because of you, more than 300 million Americans have the ability to celebrate the independence our country has enjoyed for 231 years.