Selfridge Air National Guard Base plays a vital role in our nation’s defense.

It’s one of many organizations in the military focused on executing the Air Force mission as part of the Department of Defense. Our organization may seem small in relation to the rest of the military, but without the Airmen at Selfridge, those larger Air Force and DoD missions suffer.

That’s why it’s important that we are all DOING OUR PART because everything we do, or fail to do, contributes to the success or failure of our higher mission.

It’s also important to remember that no matter how small the task an individual may have, all effort has an impact on the Selfridge mission. Our Air Force can’t operate to its best ability without all of its organizations giving their best effort, and we at Selfridge can’t do our best without all of us DOING OUR PART.

The Airmen across the base are well-trained and motivated to contribute to the success of the mission, but you can’t execute the mission if you, your equipment, or your capability are diminished due to a safety mishap.

If an ammo troop cuts their hands, that could result in delays in weapons being built, delivered and loaded on the A-10s, which could result in a late aircraft takeoff.

If those fighters are late to support troops on the ground, our ground forces could take casualties that our fighters could have prevented. If our logistics planners are injured driving on base, they may be unable to process the deployment of our units to execute our missions overseas.

Without the right documentation, diplomatic clearance or transportation support, our KC135s could be delayed from reaching the theater of operations by days. If they’re not in theater, the critical assets that need fuel would be unable to execute their mission.

Everyone’s job is important, which is why we must ensure we are all DOING OUR PART to execute the mission safely. We can’t execute the mission and support the team if you’re hurt, or the equipment needed to support the mission is damaged recklessly.

Regardless of how small the task may seem, it’s important that we do the little things right to ensure our mission is executed safely.

If there is an injury on the flightline during a walkaround, how many people need to be diverted from their regular tasks to help, and what delay does that have on the mission?

If there is a driving accident on base that blocks a road, how does that delay everyone getting to work and executing the mission? How many more people are at risk of getting into an accident because they were distracted watching that accident?

Mishaps have a waterfall effect on the mission and the people who execute it, which is why we should all take preventive steps to ensure we SAFELY execute our mission! Things that feel small like wearing gloves and eye protection when operating machinery, buckling your seat belt when driving, looking both ways before crossing the road, staying hydrated during the summer months, cutting away from yourself when opening packages, and wearing sunscreen are all things that can help you stay safe and execute the mission.

With all of us doing the little things right, we are DOING OUR PART towards mission success!

It may be easy to think about safety as it relates to the Selfridge mission, but safety doesn’t stop after work.

A car accident on Hall and Gratiot is just as dangerous to the mission as an accident on George Avenue and Jefferson. An Airman injured in a car accident can be a detriment to the mission. Motorcycle riders face even more dangers on the road with higher risk of fatal injuries from drunk, distracted or otherwise impaired drivers. Be sure to keep your eyes on the road and watching for traffic, road signs, motorcycles, and STAY OFF YOUR CELLPHONE!

As we move into summer, heat and dehydration are factors that increase the risk of unsafe situations.

Heat can lead to irritability, which can cause people to act more aggressively or become more easily frustrated, and frustrated minds are more prone to unsafe behavior.

Dehydration combined with heat can result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Stay cool and hydrated, and prevent the possibility of passing out and requiring assistance.

While enjoying the water and Lake St Clair, it’s important to remember to have fun responsibly on the water. Keep on the lookout for other boaters and remember that alcohol while operating any vehicle on the water or on the ground is never a good combination. Staying safe on and off base requires all of us DOING OUR PART!

What you do is important to the Selfridge mission, regardless of whether you work on the flightline or in an office, as a uniformed member or government civilian, and even if you don’t work on the base at all, you contribute to a safer Selfridge military community, and safe Airmen accomplish the mission.

The next time you put on your seat belt, put on protective glasses, follow the speed limit, drink water, or put your phone away while driving, you can say confidently, “I’M DOING MY PART!” By your efforts to operate safely at work, home and regular life, you are contributing to Selfridge’s mission success. At Team Selfridge, we’re DOING OUR PART for mission success and a safer military community!