ANSBACH, Germany (Feb. 12, 2015) -- This upcoming Monday, we celebrate Washington's Birthday. The day is commonly known as Presidents Day, but as the federally designated observance of Gen. George Washington's birthday, we look at more than the first president; we look at the founder and first leader of the U.S. military forces.
Washington's military leadership helped win the United States of America's independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. He shaped the colonies' military forces from a collection of disparate colonial militias into a fighting force capable of taking on a formidable foe and enduring for hundreds of years. We celebrate not only his role in the creation of our great nation, but we celebrate the legacy of the military in which we serve today.
Here in Germany, the weekend of Washington's Birthday is an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones and friends, take a mini-vacation, hit the ski slopes, or curl up with a good book at home on the couch or in front of the fireplace. Whatever your plans are, keep safety in mind.
Whether you plan on staying local or sightseeing across Europe, use the Army's Travel Risk Planning System (https://safety.army.mil/) to help make your travel plans. Inspect and prepare your vehicle for the trip. Don't forget to pack your winter survival gear and make sure it is readily accessible. Get plenty of rest before taking off, and don't forget that every trip starts with a "click" -- buckle up for safety. Also, keep your vehicle winter emergency kit stocked with non-perishable food, water, signal flares, jumper cables, a phone with charger, seasonal clothes, a bag of sand or cat litter, and a shovel. These items are in addition to the portable, reflective warning triangle and first aid kit that are required of all vehicles and drivers with U.S. Forces registration privileges.
On the road, drive defensively and stay alert. Road and traffic conditions can change in a matter of seconds. Scan the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle so you can identify hazards early. As you scan ahead, don't forget the vehicles around you. Increase the "space cushion" between you and the other vehicles so that you have time to safely react to changing road or traffic conditions. Remember to tell your neighbor or coworker your travel plans and how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
If you take a ski trip, always ski with a friend. Designate a meeting place and time to regroup in the event you get separated. Wear protective headgear and eye protection and protect your lips and skin from the harsh cold temperatures of the slopes. Stay on the trail and respect your limits. Take a break when you are tired and remember that skiers in front of you and below you on the trail have the right of way. Stay focused, as accidents happen more readily when we are distracted.
Do not let your safety guard down because you are staying at home. Improperly maintained fireplaces or furnaces can have deadly results. Invest in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Slips, trips and falls remain a threat, and you must be careful when walking. If you plan to be outdoors for a long time, take rest breaks periodically and consume water to avoid dehydration. Dress in layers to stay warm and wear a hat to prevent heat loss. Always extinguish candles and fireplaces, and if you live off post turn off and unplug space heaters when turning in for the night. Space heaters are forbidden in government quarters.
Whether you are taking a mini vacation or staying home, I need each of you to remain vigilant of your surroundings. Your vigilance is critical to preventing accidents and identifying potential threats.
You are a part of a legacy that began nearly 240 years ago by Gen. George Washington, and we need you to return to duty safe. Army Safe is Strong Europe and Army Strong!
Related Links:
USAG Ansbach official blog site
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