Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

Memorial Day is the traditional American holiday commemorating and honoring our nation’s fallen comrades. This year, Memorial Day is especially important since we are still a nation at war. The price of freedom is high, and many Americans will pause to honor all patriots who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation. We must remember those individuals for their valor and courage, never forgetting their selfless duty and personal sacrifices.
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 the ensuring 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, and reaction time is reduced. Commanders will discourage long distance driving without sufficient rest and sound trip planning. Stress motorcycle safety to your Soldiers!

Individuals must take the basic Motorcycle Defensive Driving Course, Experienced Riders Course, and wear all protective equipment required when riding their motorcycles both on and off this installation. We must continue to engage in the Composite Risk Management process for off-duty events since the number one killer of Army Soldiers is POV accidents.

As summer approaches, members of Team Bliss will participate in more recreational activities with their families and friends to include swimming and boating. The second leading cause of Army accidental fatalities is drowning. Contributory factors are alcohol consumption, impeded visibility, lack of parental supervision of small children, lack of flotation devices, underwater entanglement, overloaded boats, cold, offshore winds, waves and rip, river, and tidal currents. Education regarding hazards and safe behavior is the key to prevention. No alcohol should be consumed during water activities. Lifeguard supervision and CPR training is a must. Use good judgment in all recreational activities. Have a safe, enjoyable, and accident-free holiday period.

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



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	May 24, 2007

	Troop Talk Memorial Day is the traditional American holiday commemorating and honoring our nation’s fallen comrades. This year, Memorial Day is especially important since we are still a nation at war. The price of freedom is high, and many Americans will pause to honor all patriots who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation. We must remember those individuals for their valor and courage, never forgetting their selfless duty and personal sacrifices. 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 the ensuring 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, and reaction time is reduced. Commanders will discourage long distance driving without sufficient rest and sound trip planning. Stress motorcycle safety to your Soldiers! Individuals must take the basic Motorcycle Defensive Driving Course, Experienced Riders Course, and wear all protective equipment required when riding their motorcycles both on and off this installation. We must continue to engage in the Composite Risk Management process for off-duty events since the number one killer of Army Soldiers is POV accidents. As summer approaches, members of Team Bliss will participate in more recreational activities with their families and friends to include swimming and boating. The second leading cause of Army accidental fatalities is drowning. Contributory factors are alcohol consumption, impeded visibility, lack of parental supervision of small children, lack of flotation devices, underwater entanglement, overloaded boats, cold, offshore winds, waves and rip, river, and tidal currents. Education regarding hazards and safe behavior is the key to prevention. No alcohol should be consumed during water activities. Lifeguard supervision and CPR training is a must. Use good judgment in all recreational activities. Have a safe, enjoyable, and accident-free holiday period. Maj. Gen. Robert P. Lennox Fort Bliss Commanding General