2016 Wing Safety Down Day

Mr. John Jensenius, National Weather Service lightning safety specialist warning coordination meteorologist, discusses lightning safety with members of the 157th Air Refueling Wing, during the 2016 Wing Safety Down Day, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., May 20, 2016. The event which also included a barbecue, included other topics such as vehicle safety and accidents, and boater safety. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Lenz)

the 2016 Wing Safety Down Day

Sergeant D.J. Ouellette, New Hampshire Marine Patrol officer, discusses boater safety with members of the 157th Air Refueling Wing, during the 2016 Wing Safety Down Day, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., May 20, 2016. The event which also included a barbecue, included other topics such as vehicle safety and accidents, and lightning safety. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Lenz

Airmen pause to focus on safety

Published May 24, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Ashlyn J. Correia
157th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

PEASE AIR NATIONAL BASE, N.H. -- Airmen from the 157th Air Refueling Wing here attended the 2016 Wing Safety Down Day May 20.

The day included safety briefings on topics such as vehicle safety, boating and water safety, lighting safety and the New Hampshire drug epidemic.

"We brought in a lot of really good speakers from the state and national level to put a different spin on it, then we have done in the past," said Lt. Col. Bill Sylla, 157th ARW chief of safety. "It's really a full spectrum safety idea to where we can affect safety here at work as well as for your family at home."

The event was organized by the wing's safety office to cover relevant topics that effect the wing's Airmen in a large group setting followed by job safety and localized briefings at the squadron level.

"The day is not just about data and information it's really about reflection and some good information that we can take forward and share with our families," said Col. James Ryan, 157 ARW commander. "It's a focus on being there, being healthy and happy for our families and the future and taking care of our fellow Airmen."

The briefings were followed by a barbecue cooked and served by Pease's Top Three organization. The goal was to foster an environment for Airmen of all ranks to build comradery.

Staff Sgt. Siso Gomez, 157th Logistics Readiness Squadron member, remarked on the value of the training and how it affects him both on and off duty.

"It was a lot of good information," he said. "It was kind of an eye opener."

The emphasis of the day was on the relaxed setting, a pause in the busy work schedule, to place a priority on the important things; family, friends, ourselves and safety.

"It's really important for me that I pull back the throttles on the wing and we take an opportunity to pause and reflect on the work we are doing, but also look ahead on how we can change the way we're doing things to be smarter and safer," said Ryan.

For more information about safety, visit the Air Force Safety Center website