Commander's Blog

Another fall season starts this week, and we should all do our best to enjoy the outdoors as much as we can during the crisp, cool autumn months. The trees in our area will soon begin to change into bright colors, and it won't be long before we see frost in the morning. As it begins to get colder though, safety becomes a bigger issue, and USAMMDA's Safety Officer Marvin Saunders has provided a few tips that we should follow throughout the season.

The officers of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity following the Officer's Run and Breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Col. Monika Lunn, USAMMDA)

First and foremost, remember that autumn is the traditional start of flu season, and vaccination is still the best way to protect ourselves and others from getting sick. Be prepared for the colder weather, and check to make sure furnaces and heaters are working properly. Make sure to check carbon monoxide detectors, and clean out fireplaces and chimneys to avoid dangerous smoke build up in your home. Clear leaves and debris from walkways, and get winter equipment ready.

Along with these smart tips, we also must think about safe driving during the fall's rainy season. It's typical to see wet, leaf-covered roads in autumn, so make sure to reduce your speed per the conditions. And as daylight will start to dwindle in the evenings, remember to use your headlights and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists who are trying to enjoy the outdoors as well. Three of my friends were involved in motorcycle accidents this past year; none were necessarily at fault in their respective accidents, and fortunately they were wearing the proper safety gear and helmets, which saved them from very serious injury. Just make sure to watch out for others on the roads.

Along with being safe, we should have fun during the fall, and Frederick County is a fantastic place for harvesting fruits and vegetables. Farms and orchards surround us, especially up in the Thurmont Mountains, and this is a great way to spend time outdoors with our family and friends. And one of the best things about fall is the beginning of football season! There are so many games to see, both live and on television. I know that Frederick County high school football is very popular, but I'm sure that many of you will travel to Baltimore and Washington, DC, to see the Ravens and the Redskins during the season. Honestly, football really ushers in the fall for me!

And though we're thinking about having fun in the fall, we also have to think about work as well. Remember that October 1 starts the new fiscal year, so let's work together to close out our current FY actions successfully. Our top priority should be to make sure all expiring funds are obligated before September 30; we can't forget how important this is to our Service Members out in the field. These men and women are counting on us for whatever they need to be ready at all times, and it's our job to make sure they have it.

Let's always remember that we're saving lives with everything we do here at USAMMDA.

COL Ryan Bailey