407th AFSB golf game improves safety, team building

By D.A. Jamieson, 407th AFSB Public AffairsJune 29, 2009

407th Golf Safety
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407th Golf Safety
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FORT HOOD, Texas - To kick off the Army's Summer Safety Season campaign, the 407th Army Field Support Brigade Commander, Col. Rebecca Jones, hosted an unprecedented training event that served to accomplish two of her critical training objectives: improving safety awareness and team building.

The event, titled the "18 Holes of Safety Stand-Down," was held May 15 at The Courses of Clear Creek on Fort Hood.

Safety and team building activities were incorporated to accommodate the entire workforce. For personnel who may not have an aptitude for playing golf, a unique twist was added - Nintendo Wii Golf.

The 407th workforce formed eight teams of up to six members, consisting of individuals playing live golf, playing Wii-virtual golf, or serving as golf cart drivers.

To level the playing field between the golfers and non-golfers, teams had to correctly answer an 18-question safety test focused on the Army Sustainment Command and 407th AFSB Summer Safety Plans, as well as the brigade's results from a recent Army Readiness Assessment.

Another factor used to determine the winning team included earning bonus points by submitting certificates from mandatory safety training courses attended by each team member.

The event was organized and arranged by the brigade's Acquisition and Technology Team, comprised of Lt. Col. Ray Jimenez, Maj. Mike Cherry, Maj. Mat Guerrie - the brigade safety officer - and Maj. Brian Stehle.

While this event took a couple months to plan and many hours to orchestrate, Guerrie said he was "glad that everyone came out to participate and had a great time while supporting the brigade Safety Stand-Down."

"It was a great and well put-together event for the 407th," said Sgt. Michiko Greene, who was on the winning team. "I had a great time and built great camaraderie with everyone who was out there."

In keeping with both the Army Sustainment Command and III Corps commanding generals' intent, this venue provided increased safety awareness for summer and better morale among 407th AFSB team members.