By Lt. Col. Jeff Collins
314th Services Squadron commander
Every Saturday, for two months, my three-year-old son Henry asked, “Are we going to look for eggs today, Daddy?” That followed the Easter Egg Hunt. Now he’s switched to asking, “Are we going to go fishing?” You guessed it; that followed the Trout Fishing Derby.
In between, we had bouts of “Are we going to play baseball?” every night; SmartStart baseball was Wednesday evenings in May. And, “Are we going to go see them play dress up?” after we attended the Youth Center fashion show.
I share this, because I hope you’re also doing stuff with your friends and family to build memories. I don’t exactly know what my son and daughter will remember a year or ten years from now about Little Rock AFB, but I hope it’s of us having fun together.
My squadron, 314th Services Squadron, is charged to provide opportunities for togetherness and memory-building...and not just for kids.
Every week, we fill the center pages of this newspaper with a list of possibilities. Some events are aimed at everyone, like the ice cream social and fireworks on Fourth of July. Others are aimed at specific groups, like the heritage meals for Airmen at the Razorback Cafe and Bingo and Hip Hop Nights at the club.
All of our activities have this vision in common: the facility will be as clean as we can make it, the Airmen and employees will be as friendly as they can be and the program we’re putting on will be valuable--more than worth the price of admission.
Daily, we paint with a broad brush to use our resources to meet the needs of many groups: Your children should be happy to see their caregivers. Your lunch should be fresh and appealing.
Your locker room and fitness equipment should be clean and sanitary. Your kids’ field trip should be safe and fun. Your lodging room should be clean with fresh linen.
Your rented camping gear should be clean and serviceable. The honors we perform at an Airman’s funeral should be perfect for the family.
The fireworks show we provide should make the crowd go “Oooh... Ahh!” and your son’s baseball lesson should lead him to ask to go again and again and again.
What you make of the programs we offer is really up to you. But it’s summertime; if you’re not building memories in our programs, do build them somewhere. You don’t want to confuse having a career with having a life.
Monday, July 14, 2008
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Service before self
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
314th Airlift Wing command chief
In a world that places greater emphasis on individual achievement, our Air Force collective mind-set is not one that typically brings awards and accolades, yet our service has a greater lasting impact. Each one of us by signing up in defense of our nation has decided to forego individual achievement as a primary motivator to the more noble pursuit of securing a way of life for the masses.
I know I’m preaching to the choir when I talk about service before self, yet I think it is important to convey respect and appreciation for this selfless focus. All over Team Little Rock, I am inspired by the devotion of our entire team to ensure we remain the world’s leader in combat airlift. Even as many celebrated the Fourth of July, our 314th Services Squadron worked diligently to guarantee a great base celebration.
If you have the privilege to walk on the flight line, you will see that our maintainers do not rest until each aircraft maintenance issue is addressed properly. I cannot remember seeing a better and more helpful group of medics, military and civilian, than what we have at our Medical Group. The reason we have an astounding graduation rate for our aviators on base is due to the many hours of preparation and execution of a tremendous curriculum by our teaching cadre.
I cannot, nor would even try, to think of how our mission would work without the efforts of our civilians and volunteers. These people represent much of the continuity we have at Team Little Rock.
These are just a few examples of how each of you don’t measure your day by the clock, but by how efficiently and effectively your programs work to benefit others. I am fully persuaded that “service before self” are not buzz words for you; and I thank each of you for your service to our nation during these challenging times. Combat Airlift!
314th Airlift Wing command chief
In a world that places greater emphasis on individual achievement, our Air Force collective mind-set is not one that typically brings awards and accolades, yet our service has a greater lasting impact. Each one of us by signing up in defense of our nation has decided to forego individual achievement as a primary motivator to the more noble pursuit of securing a way of life for the masses.
I know I’m preaching to the choir when I talk about service before self, yet I think it is important to convey respect and appreciation for this selfless focus. All over Team Little Rock, I am inspired by the devotion of our entire team to ensure we remain the world’s leader in combat airlift. Even as many celebrated the Fourth of July, our 314th Services Squadron worked diligently to guarantee a great base celebration.
If you have the privilege to walk on the flight line, you will see that our maintainers do not rest until each aircraft maintenance issue is addressed properly. I cannot remember seeing a better and more helpful group of medics, military and civilian, than what we have at our Medical Group. The reason we have an astounding graduation rate for our aviators on base is due to the many hours of preparation and execution of a tremendous curriculum by our teaching cadre.
I cannot, nor would even try, to think of how our mission would work without the efforts of our civilians and volunteers. These people represent much of the continuity we have at Team Little Rock.
These are just a few examples of how each of you don’t measure your day by the clock, but by how efficiently and effectively your programs work to benefit others. I am fully persuaded that “service before self” are not buzz words for you; and I thank each of you for your service to our nation during these challenging times. Combat Airlift!
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> 'I'll be back'
By Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz, Jr.
314th Airlift Wing commander
I hope everyone had a great Independence Day weekend! Thank you for your attention to safety while handling fireworks; there were no firework-related injuries over the holiday weekend.
Over the next several weeks, Col. Mark Vlahos, 314th Airlift Wing vice commander, will be holding down the fort while I attend CAPSTONE, a joint service professional military education course for brigadier generals and rear admirals conducted by the National Defense University at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C.
CAPSTONE focuses on the employment of U.S. forces in joint and combined operations to support the president’s national policy objectives. CAPSTONE ensures your senior military leaders understand how military forces and other elements of national power -- diplomatic, economic, informational, etc. -- are integrated and used to support national military strategies, and how joint, interagency, and multinational operations support strategic national objectives.
I am proud to represent the Combat Airlift mission we have here at Little Rock Air Force Base there, and I admit…I do expect to hear great praise about our awesome contributions to the fight, taking convoys off the road and providing ready tactical airlift to the global fight.
Before I hit the road, I’d like to take a moment to say “goodbye” to the departing group and squadron commanders as they head out to serve our great Air Force at other locations world-wide. Each made unique impacts on Team Little Rock during their tenures; we thank them for their leadership as they pass the torch.
Our new commanders have quite a task to fill big shoes and keep our finely-tuned machine running, but I have every confidence that you, our Airmen, will make these transitions as seamless and transparent as possible. It is a great testimony to you that, with the leadership turnover, you continue to do amazing things and keep the ball moving down the field. The new commanders will see first-hand what a great team we have at The Rock.
That being said, please help me welcome our newest group commanders to Team Little Rock’s awesome community: Col. Patrick Mordente, 314th Operations Group commander, Col. George Risse, 314th Mission Support Group commander and Col. David Stanczyk, 314th Medical Group commander. We also welcome our new Staff Judge Advocate, Lt. Col. Norine Fitzsimmons.
This week, I’d like to place a special focus on home safety, or more specifically, fire safety. Fires, like most other accidents, are very preventable. And believe it or not, we’ve had a few fire-related incidents to deal with this year both here and in the Air Force at large. Here are a few basic tips to prevent a fire:
Tip 1: Make a fire escape plan for your family. Find two exits out of every room, if possible. Pick a meeting place outside and try to practice a family fire drill at least twice each year.
Tip 2: Install smoke alarms in every room. Test them monthly to make sure they work and replace the batteries once a year.
Tip 3: Teach every family member the “stop, drop and roll” technique should their clothes catch fire.
Tip 4: Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and keep it in an easily accessible location.
Tip 5: If you have a fire, get out and stay out. Do not go back inside for any reason.
Thanks again for all you do! I look forward to seeing you all again when I return from CAPSTONE. Keep up the fantastic teamwork, Team Little Rock! “I’ll be back!”
Combat Airlift!
314th Airlift Wing commander
I hope everyone had a great Independence Day weekend! Thank you for your attention to safety while handling fireworks; there were no firework-related injuries over the holiday weekend.
Over the next several weeks, Col. Mark Vlahos, 314th Airlift Wing vice commander, will be holding down the fort while I attend CAPSTONE, a joint service professional military education course for brigadier generals and rear admirals conducted by the National Defense University at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C.
CAPSTONE focuses on the employment of U.S. forces in joint and combined operations to support the president’s national policy objectives. CAPSTONE ensures your senior military leaders understand how military forces and other elements of national power -- diplomatic, economic, informational, etc. -- are integrated and used to support national military strategies, and how joint, interagency, and multinational operations support strategic national objectives.
I am proud to represent the Combat Airlift mission we have here at Little Rock Air Force Base there, and I admit…I do expect to hear great praise about our awesome contributions to the fight, taking convoys off the road and providing ready tactical airlift to the global fight.
Before I hit the road, I’d like to take a moment to say “goodbye” to the departing group and squadron commanders as they head out to serve our great Air Force at other locations world-wide. Each made unique impacts on Team Little Rock during their tenures; we thank them for their leadership as they pass the torch.
Our new commanders have quite a task to fill big shoes and keep our finely-tuned machine running, but I have every confidence that you, our Airmen, will make these transitions as seamless and transparent as possible. It is a great testimony to you that, with the leadership turnover, you continue to do amazing things and keep the ball moving down the field. The new commanders will see first-hand what a great team we have at The Rock.
That being said, please help me welcome our newest group commanders to Team Little Rock’s awesome community: Col. Patrick Mordente, 314th Operations Group commander, Col. George Risse, 314th Mission Support Group commander and Col. David Stanczyk, 314th Medical Group commander. We also welcome our new Staff Judge Advocate, Lt. Col. Norine Fitzsimmons.
This week, I’d like to place a special focus on home safety, or more specifically, fire safety. Fires, like most other accidents, are very preventable. And believe it or not, we’ve had a few fire-related incidents to deal with this year both here and in the Air Force at large. Here are a few basic tips to prevent a fire:
Tip 1: Make a fire escape plan for your family. Find two exits out of every room, if possible. Pick a meeting place outside and try to practice a family fire drill at least twice each year.
Tip 2: Install smoke alarms in every room. Test them monthly to make sure they work and replace the batteries once a year.
Tip 3: Teach every family member the “stop, drop and roll” technique should their clothes catch fire.
Tip 4: Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and keep it in an easily accessible location.
Tip 5: If you have a fire, get out and stay out. Do not go back inside for any reason.
Thanks again for all you do! I look forward to seeing you all again when I return from CAPSTONE. Keep up the fantastic teamwork, Team Little Rock! “I’ll be back!”
Combat Airlift!
Monday, July 7, 2008
TOP STORY >> LRAFB hosts town hall
By Staff Sgt. Juan Torres
314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The status of the housing privatization project and housing maintenance issues were among the topics of discussion between base leaders and housing residents during a town hall meeting held at the Little Rock AFB Conference Center Monday.
During the town hall meeting, Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz, Jr., 314th Airlift Wing commander, discussing housing privatization project background, key events and talked about the current status of sales negotiations.
General Schatz also discussed the impact and background of a bond sweep that occurred during the project. On September 18, construction funding was accelerated as result of poor cost and schedule control by American Eagle. The event caused the project to default because American Eagle could not complete development. Per lockbox agreement, remaining funds were swept to pay off bonds and funds continue to be directed to bond holders to satisfy legal obligations. The main impacts of the event were that bond holders were only required to fund operations budget and insurance premiums per contract which then limited capital improvement funds.
General Schatz also discussed the status of sales negotiations with potential new owner, Hunt/Pinnacle.
The partnership already owns and operates over 22,000 units at 20 military installations. Little Rock AFB will be grouped as a package with Patrick, Moody and Hanscom AFB. Purchase and sales agreement are expected to be signed within two months, with a possible financial closing expected mid to late fall this year. Renovations and construction are expected to begin shortly after closing the sale.
General Schatz ended the briefing by discussing the way ahead for base leadership and housing residents. Current plans include using 2008 budget and new project owner funds to complete maintenance and repair of deferred items jointly identified and prioritized by American Eagle and 314th Civil Engineer Squadron that have been coordinated and approved by Air Force Center for Engineering and Environment.
Base leadership is also committed to ensuring there is adequate maintenance during the sale process, while simultaneously negotiating the scope of new construction, renovations and number of units with the future project owner.
The general emphasized there is hope to have new home construction possible start by the beginning of 2009.
314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The status of the housing privatization project and housing maintenance issues were among the topics of discussion between base leaders and housing residents during a town hall meeting held at the Little Rock AFB Conference Center Monday.
During the town hall meeting, Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz, Jr., 314th Airlift Wing commander, discussing housing privatization project background, key events and talked about the current status of sales negotiations.
General Schatz also discussed the impact and background of a bond sweep that occurred during the project. On September 18, construction funding was accelerated as result of poor cost and schedule control by American Eagle. The event caused the project to default because American Eagle could not complete development. Per lockbox agreement, remaining funds were swept to pay off bonds and funds continue to be directed to bond holders to satisfy legal obligations. The main impacts of the event were that bond holders were only required to fund operations budget and insurance premiums per contract which then limited capital improvement funds.
General Schatz also discussed the status of sales negotiations with potential new owner, Hunt/Pinnacle.
The partnership already owns and operates over 22,000 units at 20 military installations. Little Rock AFB will be grouped as a package with Patrick, Moody and Hanscom AFB. Purchase and sales agreement are expected to be signed within two months, with a possible financial closing expected mid to late fall this year. Renovations and construction are expected to begin shortly after closing the sale.
General Schatz ended the briefing by discussing the way ahead for base leadership and housing residents. Current plans include using 2008 budget and new project owner funds to complete maintenance and repair of deferred items jointly identified and prioritized by American Eagle and 314th Civil Engineer Squadron that have been coordinated and approved by Air Force Center for Engineering and Environment.
Base leadership is also committed to ensuring there is adequate maintenance during the sale process, while simultaneously negotiating the scope of new construction, renovations and number of units with the future project owner.
The general emphasized there is hope to have new home construction possible start by the beginning of 2009.
COMMENTARY >> Actions speak louder than words
By Lt. Col. Reginald McDonald
314th Logistics Readiness Squadron
How many times have we heard the adage “actions speak louder than words?” What does that mean to you? Basically, it all comes down to what we truly believe. We’ve all had examples of co-workers, friends, supervisors, etc., giving us advice on issues such as getting our education, setting a good example, keeping our finances in order and many other things. Again, we won’t act unless we believe in what we are doing or what they are saying. Sometimes we even “say” we believe something without even thinking what it truly means.
This became crystal clear to me when I recently read a true story about a young man who followed the career of a particular acrobat. Fortunately for this young man, the acrobat was coming to a nearby town and the young man could hardly wait to see him perform. One of the tricks involved the acrobat riding a bicycle across at tightrope that was stretched over a rushing waterfall. The acrobat went back and forth on the rope multiple times on his bicycle while carrying different items in the bicycle basket: another acrobat, a puppy and just about everything in between.
Once the show was complete, the young man saw his opportunity to meet one of his heroes. He was able to get an autograph and tell the acrobat how awesome the show was, in particular, riding the bike above the waterfall. The acrobat asked him, “Do you think I can do it again?” The young man enthusiastically said, “Of course!!” The acrobat said, “You don’t really believe I can, do you?” After a few exchanges of this, the young man got somewhat frustrated and then said, “I saw you do it multiple times; of course I believe you can go across again!” That is when the acrobat kindly said, “Then, get in the basket.” The moment of truth had arrived.
In our profession, we face this in many ways. Our team must believe in the great mission of our Air Force and our mission at Team Little Rock. However, we must show that trust in the mission by “getting in the basket” whether that is taking the time to visit one of our sick Airmen in the hospital, going on deployments, changing family plans to enable us to help one of our own who is in need or a myriad of other challenges. I see that happening and your fellow Airmen see it, too. Without taking action, we’re sitting on the sidelines and watching, hoping someone else will carry the load. The fantastic thing about “getting in the basket” is that we will be able to enjoy the adventure, overcome some of our fears and eventually help a fellow Airman “get across the waterfall” in the future as well.
314th Logistics Readiness Squadron
How many times have we heard the adage “actions speak louder than words?” What does that mean to you? Basically, it all comes down to what we truly believe. We’ve all had examples of co-workers, friends, supervisors, etc., giving us advice on issues such as getting our education, setting a good example, keeping our finances in order and many other things. Again, we won’t act unless we believe in what we are doing or what they are saying. Sometimes we even “say” we believe something without even thinking what it truly means.
This became crystal clear to me when I recently read a true story about a young man who followed the career of a particular acrobat. Fortunately for this young man, the acrobat was coming to a nearby town and the young man could hardly wait to see him perform. One of the tricks involved the acrobat riding a bicycle across at tightrope that was stretched over a rushing waterfall. The acrobat went back and forth on the rope multiple times on his bicycle while carrying different items in the bicycle basket: another acrobat, a puppy and just about everything in between.
Once the show was complete, the young man saw his opportunity to meet one of his heroes. He was able to get an autograph and tell the acrobat how awesome the show was, in particular, riding the bike above the waterfall. The acrobat asked him, “Do you think I can do it again?” The young man enthusiastically said, “Of course!!” The acrobat said, “You don’t really believe I can, do you?” After a few exchanges of this, the young man got somewhat frustrated and then said, “I saw you do it multiple times; of course I believe you can go across again!” That is when the acrobat kindly said, “Then, get in the basket.” The moment of truth had arrived.
In our profession, we face this in many ways. Our team must believe in the great mission of our Air Force and our mission at Team Little Rock. However, we must show that trust in the mission by “getting in the basket” whether that is taking the time to visit one of our sick Airmen in the hospital, going on deployments, changing family plans to enable us to help one of our own who is in need or a myriad of other challenges. I see that happening and your fellow Airmen see it, too. Without taking action, we’re sitting on the sidelines and watching, hoping someone else will carry the load. The fantastic thing about “getting in the basket” is that we will be able to enjoy the adventure, overcome some of our fears and eventually help a fellow Airman “get across the waterfall” in the future as well.
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Freedom is not free
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
314th Airlift Wing command chief
As we reflect on the birth of our nation, it is important that we take pause to understand that our way of life has been established and maintained at a heavy cost. Today, I witnessed the retirement ceremony of Chief Master Sgt. Ken McTague, former 314th Mission Support Group superintendent, who served this country for 30 years. It is through the sacrifices of those like Chief McTague and the countless others who preceded him in life and death that we should honor as we enjoy the Fourth of July with our family and friends.
It then dawned on me that America’s sons and daughters volunteer and freely give the best years of their lives to an idea that freedom is worthy of sacrifice. The tree of freedom which we enjoy the shade from today was nurtured with the blood, sweat and tears of men and women. I submit to you that freedom is not free.
Each day that passes, Team Little Rock has warriors dispatched all over the world providing the most reliable and vital combat airlift possible. I encourage each of you to do all you can to reach out to our deployed warriors and let them know your appreciation.
I’d also ask you to reach out to their families who will endure another holiday without their family members. The family of our military also understand that freedom is not free. We honor those who serve by taking care of their families, and we here at Team Little Rock do this well.
So while you enjoy the hot dog, hamburger or your favorite beverage, I would ask you to pause and give thanks to those warriors, past and present, who ensure that we maintain our freedoms. Thanks for your service, sacrifice and patriotism.
Combat Airlift!
314th Airlift Wing command chief
As we reflect on the birth of our nation, it is important that we take pause to understand that our way of life has been established and maintained at a heavy cost. Today, I witnessed the retirement ceremony of Chief Master Sgt. Ken McTague, former 314th Mission Support Group superintendent, who served this country for 30 years. It is through the sacrifices of those like Chief McTague and the countless others who preceded him in life and death that we should honor as we enjoy the Fourth of July with our family and friends.
It then dawned on me that America’s sons and daughters volunteer and freely give the best years of their lives to an idea that freedom is worthy of sacrifice. The tree of freedom which we enjoy the shade from today was nurtured with the blood, sweat and tears of men and women. I submit to you that freedom is not free.
Each day that passes, Team Little Rock has warriors dispatched all over the world providing the most reliable and vital combat airlift possible. I encourage each of you to do all you can to reach out to our deployed warriors and let them know your appreciation.
I’d also ask you to reach out to their families who will endure another holiday without their family members. The family of our military also understand that freedom is not free. We honor those who serve by taking care of their families, and we here at Team Little Rock do this well.
So while you enjoy the hot dog, hamburger or your favorite beverage, I would ask you to pause and give thanks to those warriors, past and present, who ensure that we maintain our freedoms. Thanks for your service, sacrifice and patriotism.
Combat Airlift!
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Celebrate our country's heritage
By Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz, Jr.
314th Airlift Wing commander
Today is the 232nd anniversary of American independence. We thank you and the many brave men and women who came before us that have made our freedoms possible yesterday, today and tomorrow. Each of us has proudly worn our uniforms during a time of war, serving our great country fully aware the risks and dangers inherent to the defense of freedom in mind. Thank you for your patriotism and honorable service. Our country needs us, now more than ever, as we continue to fight the Global War on Terrorism.
As our Air Force and country has grown, we find ourselves sharing many virtues our forefathers displayed when they founded our great nation. Courage is perhaps the most evident of these virtues.
In 1776, 56 brave men signed their names to a document that, at that time, was considered a treasonable act. This action set the course for the founding of our nation. The “Declaration of Independence” was, in essence, a bold statement made by a ragtag group of citizens who bravely challenged the world’s most powerful military at that time in history: Great Britain.
Without the courage of the Continental Army, the words of the declaration would have been forgotten by history, but because those early patriots showed courage in the face of impossible odds, our liberty was secured and a standard of freedom established that the world aspires to emulate. If you haven’t read the Declaration of Independence, or need a refresher in American history, I encourage you to take a look at the inspirational ideologies that became the foundation of what is today the 50 United States of America and its territories, which at the time of the Declaration’s signature in 1776, was a meager 13 colonies.
One of the traditions our country enjoys as we celebrate our day of independence, is fireworks. While I encourage you to celebrate this great day in our history, I also implore you to do so safely. A few important safety tips to deliver us through this weekend unscathed are included below. But first, speaking of fireworks, we hosted a town hall on Monday at our Conference Center where we discussed housing updates for residents at Team Little Rock. For more information, check out page three.
As promised a moment ago, safety tips to remember this Fourth of July weekend:
Tip 1: Keep your distance. A minimum clear radius of 30 feet for ground fireworks and 100 yards for aerial fireworks is best. Light your fireworks in a clear open area away from vehicles, buildings, grass or debris. Never use fireworks indoors or inside of glass or metal containers.
Tip 2: Have water close by. In case of emergency, a bucket of water or hose should be ready to extinguish the firework in case something unexpected happens.
Tip 3: Be aware of weather conditions. Even if you are standing a safe distance away from the firework when it is lit, the wind can blow and quickly change your safety radius.
Tip 4: If I’m starting to sound like a broken record, it’s because repetition is a key to learning.
Please do not consume any alcohol while handling fireworks. Fireworks should only be used responsibly; if you are impaired in any way when you use fireworks, you increase the possibilities of misuse and injury to yourself and others. Please enjoy a well-deserved break this weekend, be safe, and come back refreshed after celebrating what we train and fight for every day here at The Rock and around the world: “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” as our forefathers of this great nation envisioned over two centuries ago. Thank you all for your dedication and service!
Combat Airlift!
314th Airlift Wing commander
Today is the 232nd anniversary of American independence. We thank you and the many brave men and women who came before us that have made our freedoms possible yesterday, today and tomorrow. Each of us has proudly worn our uniforms during a time of war, serving our great country fully aware the risks and dangers inherent to the defense of freedom in mind. Thank you for your patriotism and honorable service. Our country needs us, now more than ever, as we continue to fight the Global War on Terrorism.
As our Air Force and country has grown, we find ourselves sharing many virtues our forefathers displayed when they founded our great nation. Courage is perhaps the most evident of these virtues.
In 1776, 56 brave men signed their names to a document that, at that time, was considered a treasonable act. This action set the course for the founding of our nation. The “Declaration of Independence” was, in essence, a bold statement made by a ragtag group of citizens who bravely challenged the world’s most powerful military at that time in history: Great Britain.
Without the courage of the Continental Army, the words of the declaration would have been forgotten by history, but because those early patriots showed courage in the face of impossible odds, our liberty was secured and a standard of freedom established that the world aspires to emulate. If you haven’t read the Declaration of Independence, or need a refresher in American history, I encourage you to take a look at the inspirational ideologies that became the foundation of what is today the 50 United States of America and its territories, which at the time of the Declaration’s signature in 1776, was a meager 13 colonies.
One of the traditions our country enjoys as we celebrate our day of independence, is fireworks. While I encourage you to celebrate this great day in our history, I also implore you to do so safely. A few important safety tips to deliver us through this weekend unscathed are included below. But first, speaking of fireworks, we hosted a town hall on Monday at our Conference Center where we discussed housing updates for residents at Team Little Rock. For more information, check out page three.
As promised a moment ago, safety tips to remember this Fourth of July weekend:
Tip 1: Keep your distance. A minimum clear radius of 30 feet for ground fireworks and 100 yards for aerial fireworks is best. Light your fireworks in a clear open area away from vehicles, buildings, grass or debris. Never use fireworks indoors or inside of glass or metal containers.
Tip 2: Have water close by. In case of emergency, a bucket of water or hose should be ready to extinguish the firework in case something unexpected happens.
Tip 3: Be aware of weather conditions. Even if you are standing a safe distance away from the firework when it is lit, the wind can blow and quickly change your safety radius.
Tip 4: If I’m starting to sound like a broken record, it’s because repetition is a key to learning.
Please do not consume any alcohol while handling fireworks. Fireworks should only be used responsibly; if you are impaired in any way when you use fireworks, you increase the possibilities of misuse and injury to yourself and others. Please enjoy a well-deserved break this weekend, be safe, and come back refreshed after celebrating what we train and fight for every day here at The Rock and around the world: “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” as our forefathers of this great nation envisioned over two centuries ago. Thank you all for your dedication and service!
Combat Airlift!
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