Although it is appropriate to celebrate our successes, now is no time to let our guard down when

By BG William T. Wolf, Director of Army SafetyNovember 2, 2009

November message from Director of Army Safety
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The season of giving thanks is upon us and with it comes an opportunity to pause and reflect on

the many blessings that have touched our lives this year. This time of year always reminds me

how lucky we are to be part of an amazing Band of Brothers and Sisters that remains steadfast in

the quest to protect each other and the United States of America.

For more than 234 years, this great Army's mission has been to fight and win our nation's wars

and, during the past several years, our team has been fighting overseas contingency operations

in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. I am tremendously thankful for these great men and women

who continue to stand point to protect our nation and remain dedicated to preserving our way of

life.

My gratitude for our Soldiers and the great work they do every day extends beyond traditional

unit boundaries to encompass the Family members who make their Soldier's success possible.

The men and women who keep the home fires burning while their Soldier is busy training and

fighting hold a very special place in our Army Family and I am very thankful for their many

contributions.

Because of your individual and collective efforts and skills, we have been successful where

others before us have failed. Your skills in identifying and assessing hazards and defining and

implementing controls to reduce risks have contributed greatly to this success, and I thank you

for your dedication to our Army's safety.

Although it is appropriate to celebrate our successes, now is no time to let our guard down when

it comes to safety. With the full effects of winter being felt across our installations, careful

attention must be paid to prevent cold weather injuries. Caring for Soldiers and avoiding cold

weather problems are both an individual and leadership responsibility. Leaders must train

Soldiers to the standard in prevention, recognition and first aid for cold weather injuries and

enforce those standards.

The extra time we take preparing our Soldiers for cold weather will reduce injuries and result in a

huge payoff in increased unit readiness. For additional information and tools you can use to

manage risk and decrease the chance of fall/winter incidents, accidents and injuries, visit

https://safety.army.mil and look for the Army Safe Fall/Winter campaign logo at the bottom of the

Web page. We are a Band of Brothers and Sisters, both on and off the battlefield. And with the

arrival of colder temperatures, it's "no time to chill" when it comes to safety.

Many of you will enjoy the comforts of home and joys of being with Family this holiday season. If

you are traveling, I urge you to be extra cautious on our nation's highways, as POV accidents are

still the No. 1 off-duty killer of our Soldiers. Be extra vigilant in identifying, assessing and

controlling hazards by using the online TRiPS planning tool. Remember, a moment's lapse in

awareness can easily result in tragedy.

As we bow our heads and give thanks during November's Veterans Day and Thanksgiving

celebrations, know that a grateful nation acknowledges the many sacrifices made by you and

your Family members this year. To all of you who put your lives on the line every day to defend

this great country, know that we, as a nation, are truly grateful for your service.