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USAFE road show: looking at safety from a different perspective

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Cheryl L. Toner
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affiars
May 12, 2008 --  Zzzzzzzzzz. That's what most people think when they hear they have to attend another safety briefing. And, believe it or not, headquarters is listening - and they're not listening to you snoring.
"I wasn't always a safety guy and know what it's like to sit through an obligatory safety briefing," said Chief Master Sgt. Burrell Hancock, chief of ground safety for United States Air Forces in Europe. "The USAFE road show offers an opportunity for real people to tell their stories in an effort to help someone else out; that is what safety is all about."
The road show tour is May 12-23, minus the weekend. Every person on Spangdahlem attended one of the briefings here May 12, 2008, which was also their first stop on the trip.
Through a multi-media presentation consisting of music, PowerPoint presentations, video clips and personal testimonies, the chief said the goal was and is to change the current safety culture. "We hope our Airmen are compelled to reflect on their own actions as they see and hear the stories of others who have been through life altering situations," said Chief Hancock.
At Spangdahlem, Lt. Col. Tony Forkner, chief of the 52nd FW safety office, mirrors the chief's comments. "The 52nd Fighter Wing leadership emphasizes safety on a continuous basis," he said. "But, hearing a different version of the message from different people -- especially from those who have had to suffer the consequences of poor choices -- helps get the safety message out more clearly."
The phrase "road show" certainly sums up what they're doing - 38 briefings by a five-person team, one hour and 15-minutes per briefing, over 13 days, on 12 installations, in five countries. We checked the Tops in Blue schedule; even they are not that good.
The chief said this is the second year USAFE has been doing the road show and that last year's show was in an effort to quell the number of vehicle fatalities.
"This year we wanted to be proactive and get out to our installations prior to the 101 Critical Days of Summer," said Chief Hancock. Colonel Forkner said this should kick of the summer campaign on a "positive, proactive note."
Is USAFE doing it because everyone else is? No. "Taking the safety message to the streets and addressing Airmen eyeball-to-eyeball via a traveling road show is something unique," said the chief. USAFE safety officials even solicited for "non-safety types" to help in getting the message out. He said he hopes its success will be emulated throughout the commands.
From humor and testimonies to videos and music, this briefing wasn't the annual sleep aid. The presentation this year also included a new game show, called "Make or Break," where leaders from around the command helped demonstrate the whole point: the importance of responsible choices.
There are few things more satisfying than instant gratification - and that's instant feedback. "During last year's road show, we received immediate feedback. People were coming up after the show and sharing their own testimonies right there," said Chief Hancock. "Honestly, that was something we weren't expecting but it became commonplace at each location."
He said if the shows can motivate someone to share that connection with others, "then we will be successful ... combating COMUSAFE's #1 killer, vehicle fatalities.
"The impact each of us has within our circle of influence is immeasurable and we've got to realize our actions can change a life ... even save a life," said Chief Hancock.
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