Photo By Janecze Wright | Soldiers try to navigate a short driving course using goggles that simulate being...... read more read more
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KILLEEN, Texas -- The Fort Cavazos Safety Day event kicked off May 19, 2023, at the Phantom Warrior Stadium, just before the Memorial Day holiday.
Hundreds of Soldiers and installation departments gathered to hear from Fort Cavazos leadership, learn more about safety, view various safety demonstrations and get information from a variety of vendors.
Lt. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Cliff Burgoyne, III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos command sergeant major, stressed the importance of driving safety and Soldiers taking care of themselves and each other.
Bernabe explained that wearing seatbelts and driving the speed limit are two things Soldiers can do to stay safe and stay alive.
He challenged senior enlisted Soldiers to talk with their troops to instill the right habits and work on discipline inside their formations.
“Leaders, use today as a springboard for that continuing conversation about safety so we can take care of our folks and so we can accomplish our purpose,” Bernabe directed. “I can think of no better way to care for our folks than to talk to them persistently about safety.”
Burgoyne echoed the same sentiments.
“We have got to take care of ourselves,” he expressed. “So, it’s up to you noncommissioned officers to have a discussion with your Soldiers and your officers about the importance of vehicle safety.”
Col. Chad R. Foster, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos commander, encouraged Soldiers to use the event to implement safety at work and at home.
“Get something out of it,” Foster shared, “take something back with you to your organizations that will help increase your readiness by preserving the safety and welfare of your Soldiers and families.”
More than 50 organizations and information booths such as Cavalry Family Housing, Red Cross, USO and the Employment Assistance program were on hand to promote safe practices and talk with Soldiers.
“We call it a pause for the safety cause,” said Doug Huddleston, Fort Cavazos Safety Office chief. “Makes you think about things that are important.”
Pfc. K’Terri Miller, 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command, admitted that as a busy mom and Soldier, she never thought about checking her kids’ car seats until she saw the opportunity to get it done at the free child car seat inspection booth provided by the Family Advocacy Program.
She was surprised to learn that one of her car seats was expired, but FAP volunteers made sure she left with a new one.
“As a parent, especially like me, a parent of four, you don’t really think about checking (car seats) until you see the opportunity,” Miller said. “When I saw them, I thought maybe I should just let them check out my car seats to make sure everything is squared away.”
Alexus Hunt, an educator for the Family Advocacy Program, explained that parents are often unaware of concerns about child car seats. She said it was important to have the parents be hands-on to ensure they were comfortable installing the car seats on their own.
“Sometimes car seats can be recalled, and some people are unaware that car seats do expire,” she noted. “So, we’re trying to educate the parents on all of the information regarding car seat safety.”
Soldiers watched live demonstrations from organizations such as the 89th Military Police Brigade, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Fort Cavazos Fire Department.
There were also activities Soldiers could participate in such as navigating a course on a bike, first with normal senses, then with goggles that simulate being under the influence.
Bobber the Water Safety Dog delighted onlookers as he expertly weaved through the bright orange cones.
Visitors also enjoyed a variety of food trucks and festive music throughout the event.
At the end of his speech, Bernabe conveyed that he wanted Soldiers to enjoy the festivities, but to never lose sight of how safety affects the mission. He called on leaders to step up to ensure safety remains a priority.
“This is leader business,” he asserted. “And if you’re wearing noncommissioned officer stripes and rockers, if you’re wearing warrant officer rank, commissioned officer rank, this is your business. You are a safety officer, make the most use of today.”
| Date Taken: | 05.25.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2023 11:38 |
| Story ID: | 447836 |
| Location: | FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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