As the weather warms up, so does the likelihood for accidents.
According to the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, summer is the Army’s deadliest time of year for mishaps, making safety training vital to having a good time.
As part of regularly scheduled training, the U.S. Army Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO) conducted its third quarter Safety Stand Down May 20, 2022 and focused on events families participate in throughout the summer.
During the daylong training, Master Sgt. Melvin Reece, SATMO’s 1st Regional Security Assistance Command NCO, instructed unit participants on grill safety.
“Most people light the grill without thinking about safety measures, but there are simple techniques you can use to make lighting and operating both charcoal and gas grills safer,” said Reece. “One of the easiest ways to increase grill safety is having a fire extinguisher on hand.”
While state laws vary, nearly every state requires the use of life vests while enjoying one of America’s favorite summertime activities—boating. Master Sgt. Christopher Walters, S2 NCOIC, instructed participants on the proper sizing and use of life vests. As part of the boater safety training, Staff Sgt. Bradford Parker taught safe boat operations, including starting, navigating and docking.
For fishing enthusiasts, Sgt. 1st Class Ivan Montes, Aviation Maintenance NCO, taught the proper procedures of using a fishing line, highlighting the different types of fishing poles and safe casting.
“Whether boating recreationally or fishing, people spend a lot of time on the water, especially here in Eastern North Carolina. I think most people would be surprised at the number of serious boating and fishing accidents that take place every year here and all over the United States,” said Montes. “Hopefully, something they learned today will make those activities just a little safer for our troops.”
Medical training is another critical skillset to have throughout the hot summer days, whether on land or on the water, according to Sgt. 1st Class Grady Duebbe, SATMO medic. Duebbe shared tips for regulating body temperatures, cooling down, and staying hydrated to avoid becoming a heat casualty.
The Safety Stand Down culminated with a barbecue potluck, at which SATMO leadership recognized the unit’s Safety NCO, Sgt. 1st Class Walter Saunders, with a coin of excellence.
SATMO is a subordinate organization of the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command. As part of its critical security assistance mission, SATMO delivers advanced and technical training to allied and partner nations worldwide. For more information on SATMO and how it supports U.S. foreign policy, visit www.army.mil/satmo.
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