FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — The 11th Corps Signal Brigade hosted a Safety Stand-Down day Dec. 6, gathering warfighters, leaders and partners to emphasize safety and awareness on a wide range of topics. From alcohol and substance abuse to fire safety and unexploded ordnance, or UXO, awareness, the event served as a comprehensive platform to educate warfighters and enhance readiness.
“Soldiers depend on organizations that genuinely care and support them and their families,” said Harrison Riggins, occupational health and safety manager for 11th CSB. “The 11th Corps Signal Brigade commander and command sergeant major emphasizes that the well-being for their Soldiers and their families are essential to 11th CSB’s readiness, both on and off duty.”
Col. James Sullivan, commander of the 11th CSB, addressed the formation of more than 400 Soldiers, setting the tone for the Safety Stand-Down day. Referencing his “fatal four,” Sullivan encouraged his Soldiers to reflect on their decisions and ask themselves critical questions.
“My fatal four — you should not do things that are illegal, immoral, unethical or unsafe,” he said. “With the holidays, I know we are relaxed, and we are off our guard, which is good — we need that down time. But safety must always be on our mind as we move forward … to keep you and your family safe.”
The Safety Stand-Down highlighted a proactive approach to addressing challenges warfighters may encounter in their personal and professional lives.
One key topic was alcohol and substance abuse awareness, with Addie Daniels and Ronnie Lary, prevention coordinators for Army Substance Abuse Program, who offered interactive sessions to educate Soldiers.
“ASAP is committed to leveraging training opportunities like these to empower Soldiers to ‘own their limits,’ practice responsible drinking and recognize the potential impacts of substance abuse on their lives and careers,” Daniels said.
Lary recreated a realistic environment to demonstrate the impact of alcohol on actions and coordination. Mimicking a bar setting, Soldiers maneuvered through cones representing people, aiming to avoid any collisions.
“This hands-on activity illustrates how a simple task can be significantly impaired by substance misuse, helping Soldiers grasp the real-life consequences of their choices,” he said.
Fire safety was another crucial topic, with the Fort Cavazos Fire Department delivering engaging demonstrations. From proper use of fire extinguishers to steps for properly frying a turkey, Soldiers gained practical tips to enhance safety in barracks and homes.
The Garrison Safety Office discussed UXO awareness, a topic vital for Soldiers in the training areas, highlighting the three Rs of UXOs — recognize, retreat and report.
“If you see something suspicious, don’t touch it,” said Dustin Shuffler, occupational health and safety specialist for the Garrison Safety Office. “Safely step back and report it to the authorities. The three Rs are simple but life-saving steps that can protect our Soldiers and their families from the dangers of UXOs.”
Environmental stewardship also took center stage with discussions on spill response and recycling. Dan Gomez, an environmental protection specialist with the Directorate of Public Works, provided a demonstration to explain how Soldiers can respond spills, mitigation and cleanup. He also highlighted the correct use of absorbent pads for spills, proper disposal of these pads and the handling of dry sweep in motor pool areas.
“Providing spill-response training to Soldiers safeguards the environment and enhances their safety,” Gomez said. “It strengthens the warfighters mission readiness by preparing them to use the correct protocols to manage spills effectively within their motor pool footprint.”
To engage Soldiers and leaders in a fun, competitive way, Kyle Wallace, assistant manager for Fort Cavazos Recycle, challenged Soldiers to a mission that was simple yet impactful. Two teams competed against each other to see which team could be the first to have each member recycle one item while navigating an obstacle course.
“The obstacle course helps us to drive home the message that recycling is not only essential for our environment,” Wallace said, “it also generates revenue that directly supports Soldier and family community events, while creating a stronger, more sustainable future for the warfighters and mission readiness.”
As 11th CSB continues to prioritize safety, Riggins explained events like the Safety Stand-Down day serve as a reminder of the importance of education and collaboration.
“This event highlights the strength of partnerships across Fort Cavazos,” Riggins said, “showcasing how installation agencies help 11th CSB foster a culture of safety, responsibility and preparedness.”
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