Safe'n Sound All Year Round Published May 24, 2013 By Col. Kurt J. Gallegos 944th Fighter Wing LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Wow, it's hot in Arizona already. It seems we are going to have an early start to the summer heat this year. The Air Force's 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign doesn't typically start until 4pm the Friday before Memorial Day, but since we have hit 100 degrees here I'd say we are already in summer mode. This year's 101 days of summer theme is, "Safe'n Sound All Year Round." It's a great reminder that we constantly need to be on guard against complacency and always have a plan. The number one cause of serious injuries and fatalities to Air Force members during the 101 Critical Days of Summer is motor vehicle mishaps (this includes motorcycles). There are more people on the roads taking vacations or visiting family. Be smart and be safe, don't talk on phones or text, do drive defensively and pay attention to the other vehicles on the road. If you ride a motorcycle be extra cautious and don't do anything stupid. And NEVER drink and drive. The 56th Fighter Wing lost three members in four weeks earlier this year. Two of them were due to driving/motorcycle accidents. Be safe all year around while driving. Water sports are another safety concern during the summer. Make sure your kids are always chaperoned when near a pool or any water. If you are going boating or enjoy any other water sports make sure you are wearing the proper gear, have a plan and remember that alcohol and water sports don't mix well. Here in Arizona we really have to be careful of the heat during the summer. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, I can't say it enough. Always carry water with you and if you are going hiking or for a drive take more water than you think you will need. Stay out of the sun and out of the heat as much as you can. Ten a.m. to three p.m. tend to be the hottest time of the day so plan accordingly. Sunburn, heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses may not cause a fatality, but can certainly cause lost work days and days of pain. Finally, I want to touch on something that I feel goes hand in hand with our 101 Critical Days of Summer ... suicide prevention and being a Wingman. We just had our Wingman day briefs but I think it is important to reemphasize it. The summer can be a lot of fun but it can also highlight hardships and loneliness. Last year the Department of Defense had its highest suicide rate since they started keeping track in 2001. We lost 349 brothers and sisters in arms to suicide in 2012. According to a study done by the Department of Veterans Affairs they estimate 22 military veterans take their lives every day in America. This is completely unacceptable! Resiliency helps Airmen overcome adversity, bounce back from setbacks and even grow as they overcome challenges. Sometimes though we need a little help and that is where our Wingmen come into play. Don't wait for someone to ask for help; if you see signs of distress, reach out, now, and offer help in any way you can. Let's make it through this long hot summer without any mishaps and stay Safe 'n Sound All Year Round.