Safety takes center stage as Air Force sees increase in non-combat deaths Published April 28, 2010 By Monica Mendoza 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A sudden increase in non-combat related Airman deaths has Air Force officials concerned and putting a heightened emphasis on safety. Since Jan. 1, 33 Airmen have died in safety related incidents or suicides - the highest non-combat losses ever remembered in such a short time, said Col. Jim Jennings, 21st Space Wing vice commander. He hosted a safety briefing April 22 that carried a somber but frank tone. "The numbers are telling, folks," Colonel Jennings said. "The big thing here, and what is heartbreaking, is that these are all non-combat losses. Any of these could have been prevented." In an e-mail sent April 19 to all of Air Force Space Command, Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, said he needs everyone's help to protect the Air Force's most valuable assets - Airmen. "I have never seen anything like this in my 35 years in the Air Force," he wrote. "These unfortunate losses have the same devastating impact as combat casualties on family, friends, and co-workers." Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st SW commander, said 15 deaths were a result of such things as motorcycle accidents, car accidents and substance abuse and 19 deaths were suicides. "We are genuinely concerned for your health, morale and well being," Colonel Whiting said to the troops via a taped message as he was TDY. "During this month, the 21st Space Wing specifically has experienced an attempted suicide, substance abuse, allegations of sexual assault, alcohol misuse, GOV accidents, and other issues that are putting people's lives and careers at risk, and risking our ability to be mission ready, and are prejudicial to good order and discipline." Safety briefings and safety day, April 27, are set aside, he said, for Airmen to discuss and work on solutions to the rising concern. He encouraged Airmen and civilians to take a hard look at their daily routines and use good risk management to make the right decisions. Colonel Jennings said suicide is a difficult thing to talk about with one another, but he encouraged Airmen and civilians to pay attention to their co-workers and be proactive. "All of us have stressors in our lives," he said. "Awareness is the big thing. Take a look around at your co-workers, is anyone acting different today." By May 13, all Air Force supervisors will talk to every Airman and civilian one-on-one about suicide prevention. "We want you to be here tomorrow," Colonel Jennings said. "You are very valuable to us and we are concerned about you." For help, call: --Medical providers for physical problems due to stress, 556-2273 --Individual therapy, groups and classes through Mental Health Clinic or TriCare, call 556-7804 --Chaplains, 556-4442 --Health and Wellness Center, 556-4292