Sgt. Lynsey Hammond, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, drives a motorized cart through an obstacle course while wearing goggles to simulate driving while intoxicated during the battalion’s Safety Day Stand Down May 25, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. Benjamin Kullman)
By 2nd Lts. Emily Reall and Jonathan Dickson
22nd Human Resource Company, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
The 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, took a different approach to its Safety Day Stand Down May 25, 2016.
Instead of giving PowerPoint briefings on how to be safe during the summer months, 4th STB hosted a barbecue and encouraged Soldiers to invite their Families to the battalion motor pool. Along with hamburgers and games, stations were set up with the intent to educate all members of the 4th STB Family about being safe during the summer months in Colorado.
“Safety is important in everything we do. Instead of having someone stand up in front of our Soldiers to lecture them we decided to do something different and get the families involved,” said Lt. Col. Chesley Thigpen, 4th STB commander. “Our Soldiers work hard, so today is a day they can relax, spend time with their Families and learn about being safe during the summer months.”
A variety of tents and booths were set up, ranging from motorcycle and gun safety to wildlife in Colorado. One of the more popular booths simulated driving a vehicle while intoxicated. This allowed Soldiers and their Family members the opportunity to drive a motorized cart while wearing goggles that simulated the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. The Fort Carson Fire Department was on hand encouraging people to enjoy summer activities while reminding them of the dangers a hot and dry Colorado summer day can bring.
“It’s easy to focus on the fun in summer activities and forget about being safe,” said Steven Vogt, safety officer, 4th SB. “Safety is a contributor to unit readiness. Soldiers need to take the time to think about safety.”
Thigpen agreed: “Summer time is usually when Soldiers are more exposed to risky activities,” Thigpen said. “Our Safety Day Stand Down gives us the opportunity to emphasize the importance of conducting proper risk assessments and educate our Soldiers on what it’s really all about — making good decisions and not putting yourself in an unsafe or risky environment.”