Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

Memorial Day is the traditional American holiday commemorating and honoring our nation's fallen comrades, especially since we are still a nation at war. Remember those individuals for their valor and courage, never forgetting their selfless duty and personal sacrifices. The price of freedom is high and many Americans will pause to honor all patriots who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation.

History also tells us that, during this holiday period, many Americans are vulnerable to being severely injured or killed as a result of traffic accidents. What begins with high expectations for summer ends in tragedy. It is important that all vehicle operators be well rested before starting out on a long trip. When a person is fatigued, driving skills can become severely impaired. Therefore, commanders will discourage long-distance driving without sufficient rest and sound trip planning. We must continue to engage in the Composite Risk Management process for off-duty events since the number one killer of Army Soldiers is private automobile accidents.

As summer approaches, members of Team Bliss will participate in more recreational activities with their families and friends to include swimming and boating. Our second leading cause of Army accidental fatalities is drowning. Contributory factors include alcohol consumption, cold water, current (rip currents, river currents and tidal currents), offshore winds, underwater entanglement, waves, impeded visibility, lack of parental supervision (small children), overloaded boats, overestimation of skills and lack of floatation devices. Education is key to prevention regarding hazards and safe behavior. Remember, no alcohol consumption during water activities. Lifeguard supervision and CPR training are a must.

Use good judgment in all recreational activities and have a safe, enjoyable and accident-free holiday period. Keep using Composite Risk Management in all that you do, and the results will enhance your environment both at work and home.

Brig. Gen. Robert P. Lennox
Fort Bliss Commanding General



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	May 25, 2006

	Troop Talk Memorial Day is the traditional American holiday commemorating and honoring our nation's fallen comrades, especially since we are still a nation at war. Remember those individuals for their valor and courage, never forgetting their selfless duty and personal sacrifices. The price of freedom is high and many Americans will pause to honor all patriots who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation. History also tells us that, during this holiday period, many Americans are vulnerable to being severely injured or killed as a result of traffic accidents. What begins with high expectations for summer ends in tragedy. It is important that all vehicle operators be well rested before starting out on a long trip. When a person is fatigued, driving skills can become severely impaired. Therefore, commanders will discourage long-distance driving without sufficient rest and sound trip planning. We must continue to engage in the Composite Risk Management process for off-duty events since the number one killer of Army Soldiers is private automobile accidents. As summer approaches, members of Team Bliss will participate in more recreational activities with their families and friends to include swimming and boating. Our second leading cause of Army accidental fatalities is drowning. Contributory factors include alcohol consumption, cold water, current (rip currents, river currents and tidal currents), offshore winds, underwater entanglement, waves, impeded visibility, lack of parental supervision (small children), overloaded boats, overestimation of skills and lack of floatation devices. Education is key to prevention regarding hazards and safe behavior. Remember, no alcohol consumption during water activities. Lifeguard supervision and CPR training are a must. Use good judgment in all recreational activities and have a safe, enjoyable and accident-free holiday period. Keep using Composite Risk Management in all that you do, and the results will enhance your environment both at work and home. Brig. Gen. Robert P. Lennox Fort Bliss Commanding General