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As the year comes to an end, members of Team Ramstein are encouraged to prepare for the holiday season by participating in Loaded 45, which runs from Nov. 19 to Jan. 3.
Loaded 45 was created to encourage Airmen to be good wingmen and to look out for one another during the holidays when there is traditionally an increase in
Air Force mishaps and fatalities.
According to the Air Force Holiday Safety Campaign site, since 1990 the Air Force has experienced almost 200 ground fatalities between the Thanksgiving and New Year’s holidays. Most of these fatal mishaps occurred in the traffic environment, and many of these people were on leave to see their family for the holidays.
“The ‘loaded’ portion of the name refers to how we try to load the holidays with as much activity as possible,” said Staff Sgt. Annie Evans, 86th Airlift Wing Safety Office safety technician. “The goal of this program is to reduce negative trends for all base agencies through working together in getting the message out.”
With this program set in place, it is hoped that Airmen will step up and be good wingmen when necessary.
“The holidays are a time to celebrate, reflect and give thanks,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “But for some, they can also be a source of stress and frustration, which can lead to poor decision making.”
Airmen at all levels have a role as wingmen and are encouraged to be good wingmen by taking care of themselves and those around them.
“The Loaded 45 program, as with all safety programs and initiatives, is designed around fostering awareness and raising safety consciousness throughout the force,”
said Tech. Sgt. David Brandt, 86th Airlift Wing Ground Safety noncommissioned
officer in charge. “Our goal is to prevent mishaps and ensure members remain
vigilant and safe while at home, as well as in deployed locations, so that we can all return home in one piece to enjoy our families and friends.”
Programs like Loaded 45 are vital to mission success.
“One fatality is one too many,” General Dillon said. “The key to being a good wingman is taking care of one another and knowing when to step in for fellow Airmen, friends or family members in need of help. Asking for help is never wrong, especially when there are so many programs and resources available to all Team Ramstein members. Your life is too important.”
In addition to the Loaded 45 program at Ramstein, the Air Force Safety Center offers a Holiday Safety Campaign site available through the Air Force Portal.
The following is a list of numbers to keep on hand during the holiday season:
» Sexual Assault Response Coordinator:
480-7272 or 06371-47-7272
» Airmen Against Drunk Driving:
489-2233 or 0631-536-2233
» Judge Advocate:
480-5911 or 06371-47-5911
» Safety:
480-7233 or 06371-47-7233
» Chaplain:
480-2499/5753 or 06371-47-2499/5753
» Fire Prevention:
480-5940 or 06371-47-5940
» Area Defense Council:
480-2182 or 06371-47-2182
