Wingman Toolkit supports Critical Days of Summer campaign

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ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Air Force Reserve Command's Wingman Toolkit is partnering with the Air Force Safety Center, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, to highlight the 2014 Critical Days of Summer campaign.

The annual campaign runs from May 23 to Sept. 2 and focuses on risk management for all summer activities - on and off duty. This year's theme, Risk: Double checks, not second thoughts, reminds Airmen to be responsible wingmen and to take care of themselves, their families and their teammates.

"We are excited about our collaboration with the Air Force Safety Center and what it means for all Air Force Wingmen," said Lt. Col. David Ubelhor, chief mental health consultant to the AFRC command surgeon.

The Air Force Safety Center's request to partner with the Wingman Toolkit for this year's Critical Days of Summer campaign shows how well known and successful the Wingman Toolkit program has become, Ubelhor said. The WMTK initiative, which includes videos and outreach materials, continues to grow and improve. These tools help Air Force Reserve Airmen and their military and non-military wingmen use the four pillars of comprehensive fitness to build wellness and resilience by maintaining balanced lifestyles.

According to Bill Parsons, Air Force chief of ground safety, every Airman has a role in achieving zero fatalities this summer.

"We can achieve that goal by using all the risk management techniques available, including activity planning and being responsible wingmen," Parsons said.

Alcohol, which is a large part of many summer pastimes, impairs decision-making and is a factor in too many of these tragedies. Other significant factors include speed, distractions and fatigue, Parson said.

"Each Airman is critical to our mission," Parsons said. "As you plan your summer activities, use the same risk management skills you apply on the job to ensure a safe return and assure mission success."

More information about the Critical Days of Summer is available through the Wingman Toolkit, local safety offices and the ground safety Sharepoint site. People can also get the Wingman Toolkit on the go with the Mobile app for iPhone and Android mobile devices.