COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.-From an often gory and somewhat disturbing movie about food safety through avalanche probes and beacons to vehicle safety inspections, the Soldiers at Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) here were treated a full menu of safety classes designed to keep them safe this winter, in the kitchen and out of doors.

The food safety class, taught by 1st Lt.William Palermo of the unit, focused on requirements to handle and cook foods properly, since one can't always trust that purchased products are safe. The movie followed animal by-products and demonstrated how frequently they could be infected by salmonella and e-coli. Case histories of people who had died from these food borne illnesses made the subject much more personal than scientific.

Next, two skiing experts from a local ski shop presented a class on ski and snowboard safety, as well as tips on how to venture into the back country Colorado is famous for safely. The newest in safety devices for boots and binding were described, and avalanche protective gear was demonstrated. The most pertinent advice of all: never ski or go into back country alone, and always go prepared with the proper equipment.

Last but far from least was vehicular safety. Staff Sgt. Scott Thorn instructed everyone to be fastidious about sweeping all the snow off their cars to ensure that the drivers following them wouldn't express "road rage" at them for the subsequent avalanche of snow on their windshields.

The importance of vehicle preparation and maintenance was discussed, the necessity of a winter survival kit was stressed, and safe winter driving habits were detailed. The afternoon was topped off by each individual Soldier having his or her vehicle inspected by his or her supervisor.

Menu (mission) accomplished, the Soldiers left to brave the single digit temperatures and salmonella-riddled outside world, better armored against some of its dangers.