Keesler Air Force Base Stand down May 21 seeks to reduce deaths

Stand down May 21 seeks to reduce deaths

AETC Public Affairs and 81st Training Wing Public Affairs

5/12/2010 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler observes a half-day Stand Down Day May 21 to call attention to the recent rise in Air Force suicides, the tragic loss of Airmen to private motor vehicle accidents and to reenergize the Wingman concept as the foundation approach to suicide prevention and unit safety.

The stand down is designed to encourage Wingmen to be vigilant of these and other dangers by devoting time for structured unit discussion of these important topics. Leading the stand down are commanders and their subordinate leaders who are best positioned to meet the needs of their units and to lead small group discussion among Airmen who work together.

A recent joint memo from Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, and Chief Master Sgt. James Roy, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, noted the alarming number of Air Force deaths due to non-combat causes. So far in 2010, 18 Airmen, eight Guardmen and Reservists and three civilians have taken their own lives. About 50 Air Force members are killed each year in motor vehicle accidents. More than 680 Airmen have died in the past 10 years in on- and off-duty ground fatalities.