Play hard, ride hard, be safe -- company does it all in one day

By Scout ReportsJune 14, 2013

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1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – About 20 motorcyclists participated in a Motorcycle Mentor ride to Big Nose Kate's in Tombstone which was the finale of the afternoon's events. Riders of various experience levels participated to promote safety and rider camaraderie. Chief Warrant Of... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Cpl. Scott Borgstadt of the Sierra Vista Police Department conducts driving-under-the-influence training during the safety day. He recently lost a daughter to a drunk driver and shared how the loss affected him and his family. According to Capt. Janm... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Organizers of the Company D, 2-13th Aviation Regiment Summer Kick-Off Safety Stand Down Day Picnic on June 7 at Veterans' Memorial Park held the event in a relaxed atmosphere away from work. Families were welcome. Here, children 12 and under enjoy bo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Huachuca, AZ.- More than 200 people came together for safety-related and fun activities during a special event last week at Veterans' Memorial Park in Sierra Vista.

On June 7, beginning at noon, Company D, 2-13th Avn. Regt. Soldiers, civilians, contractors, Family members and friends held their Summer Kick-Off Safety Stand Down Picnic.

The informal event was partly designed to remind attendees to think "safety" during the summer months and especially over the upcoming July 4 holiday when celebration could cause people to let their guard down. It was held in a relaxed atmosphere away from the work environment to share safety information, a picnic, family oriented activities, a Motorcycle Mentorship ride and more.

Capt. Janmichael Guillermo, Company D commander, organized the event since there hadn't been a safety day since he was with the unit. The catalyst of the event was two near-accidents involving motorcycles by those traveling to the Black Tower training facility, and motorcycle safety was a major focus.

"I wanted to hold the event now rather than wait until we had [an accident]," Guillermo said.

Instead of a barbecue, organizers opted for cold, super-sized submarine sandwiches and simple picnic fare.

In addition to the meal, the afternoon consisted of safety briefs from members of the Sierra Vista Police and Fire Departments, Army Community Service, and Cochise Motorsports and Harley Davidson representatives. Briefings also addressed heat prevention, heat casualty and electrical safety and shock hazards.

Team competitions included beach volleyball, horseshoe toss and tug-o-war. After conducting motorcycle safety inspections, the day culminated with a Motorcycle Mentorship Ride to Tombstone and back to encourage safe vehicle use and camaraderie.