Straight Talk: Veterans Day weekend safety message Published Nov. 8, 2012 By Col. Juan Gaud 66th Air Base Group deputy commander HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- As you prepare for the upcoming Veterans Day weekend, please incorporate safety in your plans and take time to honor those veterans past and present. Veterans Day weekend marks a transitional period between fall and winter. This is a time where we need to be more aware of the changing of climate and shorter days. Reduced daylight hours bring new hazards that are not normally encountered during the summertime to our daily commute and for our pedestrians on base. Many of you will be traveling to and from work in the dark. We usually experience an increase in mishaps due to the unpredictable weather patterns. Sports and recreation mishaps continue to account for the majority of our mishaps, as well, with motor vehicles not too far behind. Additionally, black ice becomes a reality. Slow down, build a little extra time into your journeys and add a little extra space between you and the driver ahead of you. Safety is everyone's responsibility. At Hanscom, we care greatly about the safety of our team. We must remember that safety awareness is a full-time job. Don't just leave safety at the gate. Take safety home with you. We want to make certain that you return to work safe and sound. Use good judgment and operational risk management to focus on safety during your activities this Veterans Day weekend. Please be safe, enjoy this time with your friends and family and always look out for your Wingmen. Remember, safety is personal and begins and ends with you.