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Airmen learn to be 'Street Smart'

Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, speaks to members of Team Fairchild before the 'Street Smart' presentation by Stay Alive From Education at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., June 20, 2013. The presentation was founded in 1988 to educate teens and young military members about the consequences of driving under the influence, illegal drug use and not using a seat belt. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Means/Released)

Airmen learn to be 'Street Smart'

Vince Easevoli, Stay Alive From Education founder, speaks to Airman 1st Class Scott Pitney, 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron fire truck maintenance apprentice, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. June 20, 2013. Pitney volunteered to be taken through a simulated trauma situation to demonstrate the danger people face by making poor decisions on the road. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Means/Released)

Airmen learn to be 'Street Smart'

Vince Easevoli, Stay Alive From Education founder, speaks to Airman 1st Class Scott Pitney, 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron fire truck maintenance apprentice, as he is taken through a simulated trauma situation at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., June 20, 2013. Easevoli founded S.A.F.E in 1988 to educate young members of the military and teens in make poor decisions when getting behind the wheel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Means/Released)

Airmen learn to be ‘Street Smart’

Published July 1, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Michael Means
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Members of Team Fairchild had the opportunity to attend the 'Street Smart' given by Stay Alive From Education at the base theater, June 26.

Vince Easevoli, S.A.F.E founder, took Airmen into a simulated trauma situation as a result of danger people face by making poor choices on the road.

Easevoli is 27 year paramedic/firefighter veteran working with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. He founded SAFE in 1988 to educate teens and member of the military on the consequences of driving under the influence, illegal drug use, and not using a seat belt.

"The presentation was a perfect mix of live action, powerful visual aids and real life scenarios," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Ellender, 92nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety technician. "This combination was the perfect mix to convey a powerful message about choices made while driving and to have that message leave an indelible mark on the audience's driving choices."

Easvoli urged Airmen during the presentation to take a couple steps back and think about the consequences of actions and the number of people affected by those actions.

"You have been given a very unique opportunity to see through the eyes of a firefighter or paramedic every day when they go to work," said Easevoli. "All of the deaths shown in the presentation were preventable."

According to Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, during the last fiscal year the Air Force has lost 25 Airmen due to auto accidents.

"Safety is absolutely critical," said Newberry. "There are challenges out there and you all are irreplaceable, we are going down to 327,000 airmen in our air force. We are shrinking by the day and I cannot replace any of you out there. I need you and I care what you do for our country."

Newberry also urged Airmen to take care of each other and be good wingmen.

"I appreciate S.A.F.E for coming out and visiting every base in AMC and thank you to our safety office for setting this up and making a difference," he said.