FORT STEWART, Ga. - Imagine, for a moment, an organization of all different kinds of people doing their part to ensure the health and well being of their fellow man or woman.
Now, make it happen for a year and counting.
Does this sound like fiction to you?
The 260th Quartermaster Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, Third Infantry Division, did just that over the past year. From May 2010 to May 2011, leaders engaged with Soldiers and Soldiers ensured that their buddies stayed safe in all activities, from training and in-office operations to off-duty activities such as swimming, barbecues and driving.
To recognize the battalion for this achievement, Col. Joseph R. Novack, the 3rd Sustainment Brigade commander, visited the battalion's formation, Oct. 24, to award safety streamers that read "365 Days Accident Free" to all of the companies in the organization. Additionally, the battalion was presented with a Certificate of Achievement from the commanding general of the 3rd Inf. Div. for safety and zero at-fault off-duty accidents for the time period.
"[Throughout] 29 years in the Army, I've never been affiliated with an organization that has received this award," Col. Novack said.
In order to receive this award, an organization must remain free of all at-fault accidents, ranging from Classes A, B and C, for a period of 365 days. Class A accidents consist of those involving fatalities and damage costs that exceed $1 million, Class B accidents involve injuries that could lead to extended disabilities and costs more than $200,000, and Class C accidents cause injury that leads to personnel missing one day of work or training, and costs more than $20,000.
"This affects us in a big way," said Staff Sgt. Wayne Baker, 473rd Quartermaster Co. "It's good that the unit went a whole year accident free; it shows pride in our unit."
Command Sergeant Major Dexter Speights, 260th Quartermaster Bn. command sergeant major, credits this achievement to responsible leaders and individuals within the organization.
"[This award] shows the level of commitment that leaders put toward safety, as well as Soldiers applying self-discipline… doing the right thing when nobody's watching," Command Sgt. Maj. Speights said.
"It keeps us motivated and focused… it's a good pat on the back for the Soldiers in the battalion. I'm proud that everyone continues to stay safe," added Spc. Allan Beck, 110th Quartermaster Bn.
"[We must] continue to meet our mission without losing Soldiers due to safety incidents or accidents because that's one less Soldier in your formation to help complete the mission," Command Sgt. Maj. Speights said.
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