Soldiers participate in Safety Day events

By Pvt. Blair Neelands 1st Brigade Combat Team JournalistMay 28, 2009

Safety Day Run 2009
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Soldiers in the Fort Drum community took a break from their normal warfighter training Thursday and turned their attentions to learning about safety and the steps it takes to remain safe, both on and off duty.

To help commemorate Safety Day, thousands of Soldiers from 10th Mountain Division (LI) and the Fort Drum garrison ran nearly five miles through the streets on post.

The run started at Hays Hall with a cavalcade of motorcyclists leading the way. Units then fell in at the rear of the formation as it snaked way along the run route, forming a seemingly endless procession of Soldiers.

During the remainder of the day, Soldiers participated in various events involving safety, including a Safety Fair at the Magrath Physical Fitness Center. Nearly 100 informational booths were set up at the gym for Soldiers to visit.

"There were a lot of booths ranging from Planned Parenthood to wildlife and hunting safety to cancer awareness," said Pfc. Anastasia Clark from C Company, 10th Brigade Support Battalion.

Clark added the most informative and interesting of the safety kiosks to her was the breast cancer awareness booth, where Soldiers were able to palpate a simulated breast and feel the different stages of the cancer as it develops.

"You are told all the time to do a self examination, but you're not sure what the lumps are supposed to feel like," Clark said.

The events throughout the day were intended to promote and provide information to Soldiers on a variety of safety, wellness and health topics.

"The way the day started out with the run was great," said Sgt. Maj. John Renteria, 1st Brigade Combat Team operations sergeant major. "I thought it was phenomenal, because the whole day was focused on safety. I enjoyed talking to the vendors at Magrath and hearing what their concerns were for Soldiers."

As summer approaches, many leaders agree, safety must take priority in a Soldier's daily life whether on duty or not.