Memorial Day Message Published June 1, 2010 By Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog 2nd Air Force commander KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the "101 Critical Days of Summer" and the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. This period brings the potential for a member of our Second Air Force family to engage in an unsafe act that could lead to injury or even the possibility of death. Experience has shown that many of our mishap losses occur during extended time off from work. There is no single answer to prevent mishaps and needless deaths. We need to re-focus on the potential hazards that go along with our holiday and summer activities during this historically dangerous period. The solution begins with personal involvement. All levels of supervision must make a special effort to educate their personnel that regardless of where they are this holiday personal risk management must be a part of their everyday lives whether on or off the job. Before we close out this week, I want all supervisors to sit down with their personnel and spend a few moments to find out what they are going to do and take the necessary steps to be a good Wingman. Sadly, the Air Force has never achieved zero mishaps during this critical period. However, a zero fatality rate is attainable. Let's do our share to break this paradigm by doing things right and avoid being a risk taker. No one should die because they failed to wear a seatbelt or motorcycle helmet. Please foot-stomp the importance of our personal risk management basic points as we approach this holiday weekend. Be smart, put safety first, and use good judgment--our Air Force needs you back safe and sound. Be safe out there and enjoy this much deserved time off!