Commander's Blog

As the Memorial Day holiday weekend is approaching quickly, with it comes the unofficial start of the summer season. Unfortunately, summertime is the most fatal time of the year for off-duty Soldiers, as we lose many in accidental deaths involving cars, motorcycles, water craft and alcohol-related incidents. Historically, the Memorial Day three-day weekend is the most dangerous weekend of the year to be out on our nation's roads, so we must stay safe, remain aware, and do all we can to preserve our country's most valuable asset – its citizens.

Of course, most of us welcome the warmer weather, and the outdoor activities that come with it – such as hiking, biking, swimming and boating – but we must keep in mind that some of these fun sports may be hazardous if we do not take the necessary precautions beforehand. For example, biking is certainly a fun way to enjoy a beautiful summer day, but we should check over our bikes to make sure everything is in top condition, we should review the rules of the road with less experienced bikers who may be riding with us, and we should always wear a helmet for added safety, especially those under 16 years old as this is a Maryland state law.

It is also a tradition for many to hold parties over the holiday weekend, and many of these gatherings will likely involve alcohol for the adults. Drinking does not go well with any type of outdoor activity, as alcohol impairs function and clarity, which can lead to accidents involving both the consumers and the non-consumers. Hunting, swimming and boating – to name only a few – all can lead to dangerous situations when alcohol is involved.

As we prepare for the upcoming holiday weekend, many of us will cook outdoors with family and friends. Marvin Saunders, USAMMDA's Safety Officer, provides some important safety tips for cookouts from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations:

Food preparation

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling food and after handling raw poultry or meat. To guard against cross-contamination of bacteria, keep uncooked meats away from other foods.
• Cook foods thoroughly, especially ground beef, poultry and pork.
• Refrigerate all perishable foods within two hours.

Grilling and fire safety

• When using a grill, be sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any grease or dust. Check for gas leaks. Use the grill outside, not in a garage, porch or other enclosed space.
• If you use a fire pit, be sure to put out the fire completely before leaving it unattended.
• Do not park your vehicle on grass, as the hot exhaust can easily ignite dry vegetation.

As I mentioned above, a popular summer interest is motorcycle riding, and this becomes extremely dangerous when alcohol is a factor, for both the motorcyclists and those driving automobiles. In fact, May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, so we should all be aware of our fellow drivers who are enjoying the roads with us on two- or three-wheeled open vehicles. Over the Memorial Day weekend, the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally will take place in and around Washington, DC, so please share the roads surrounding our nation's capital with the riders participating in this gathering. It truly is an awesome experience to hear the deafening rumble of hundreds of motorcycles all at once, but just remember to have a good set of earplugs with you if you don't like loud sounds!

Although it is very important that we remain safe and alert throughout the holiday weekend, we cannot forget that Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Throughout our country's history, countless Service members have selflessly defended the Constitution of the United States. Without their loyalty and devotion, we would not be able to enjoy the freedom we have today.

Each year on Memorial Day, I think of my grandfather who was a disabled veteran from the World War I era. I certainly don't condone this, but when he was 16 years old, he used his older brother's birth certificate to enlist in the U.S. Army. One of his most memorable experiences was when he served under General John J. Pershing in the Punitive Expedition into Mexico to capture Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution. While my grandfather's time in the Army may now be part of historical lore, his service – and the military service of my other grandfather, my father and other family members – provided the basis for my entering the Army, and I always think fondly of them during this holiday.

If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to visit Arlington National Cemetery to witness the graves of thousands of Service Members buried there who gave their lives for our country. Each grave is marked by a U.S. flag every Memorial Day, and the sight is incredible. While you're there, you should also see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the magnificent Changing of the Guard ceremony that happens regularly throughout the day. A guard has been on duty at this site without interruption since July 2, 1937. The march of each guard is extremely calculated, and so is the ceremony to change the guards, and it is very impressive.

And while you're down in the DC area, remember that there are many monuments and statues dedicated to our military veterans of every era, representing all of the various conflicts. I would be remiss if I didn't encourage everyone to visit these memorials whenever you have the opportunity. Trust me, you'll be very glad that you did, as these sights are truly awe-inspiring.

Enjoy the Memorial Day holiday with your family and friends, and above all else be safe!!

Hooah!

COL William Geesey