101 Critical Days of Summer: Live to play, play to live and employ a safety mindset in all you do Published May 26, 2009 By Brig. Gen. Philip M. Ruhlman 36th Wing Commander ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Team Andersen, Let me start out by saying 'thank you' for a successful 2008 safety campaign. Our wing was awarded the PACAF 2008 Ground Safety Trophy thanks in large part your dedication to the safe execution of our mission. We may have had some challenges, but you rose to meet those challenges admirably and helped the Air Force experience one of its safest years on record. This year, we have done very well in our ground, flight and weapons safety arenas and I need you to continue this success. After all, safety starts with the individual and that principle should permeate throughout our respective organizations. The Department of Defense is about to kick off its' annual 101 Critical days of Summer campaign starting this Memorial Day Weekend and lasting through Labor Day in September. This year's theme is "Live to play, play to live." As a Service, we historically lose more Airmen during the summer months due to increased outdoor activities and increased risk potential from those activities. "Live to play, play to live" implies enjoying all activities to their fullest, at the same time we must use solid risk management tools to exercise sound judgment in our off duty and on duty responsibilities. Our leadership is fully dedicated to providing the safest environment possible for each of you to continue meeting our national security needs. The mission starts with our commitment to doing the best job we can, but balancing that with taking care of ourselves and our wingman. The 101 Critical Days of Summer represent a great opportunity to focus on safety in the work place and in our daily lives. Commanders and supervisors, I challenge you to not let the focus end on Labor Day. Team Andersen's words to live by, are "I can save my own life" and it applies year round. The Department of Defenses' most valuable resource is its people. Pure and simple. The 36th Wing Mission statement is ""EMPLOY, DEPLOY, INTEGRATE, AND ENABLE AIR AND SPACE FORCES FROM THE MOST FORWARD US SOVEREIGN AIR FORCE BASE IN THE PACIFIC." We can only execute our mission through safe and effective mission accomplishment. "Live to play, play to live" is a great way to think about how we will go about living our lives while projecting air power on behalf of the US Air Force, Department of Defense and our Nation. It all starts with you and a safety mindset in all we do.