HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Team Hanscom: On Sept. 3, our nation will celebrate Labor Day as a way to pay tribute to all of our citizens who have worked so hard to create and sustain this great country. Our nation's strength, freedoms and prosperity would be impossible without the dedication and tireless efforts of the American worker.

As the summer draws to a close, I want to say thanks to you for your professionalism, proficiency and dedication in providing critical warfighting capabilities to our nation.

In addition, as you enjoy the long weekend, I want to remind you that sport and recreation mishaps continue to account for the majority of our safety incidents. I challenge each of you to stay engaged this weekend and throughout the rest of the year by incorporating Operational Risk Management skills into all that you do -- at work, at play and at home.

As always, limit distractions in vehicles while traveling, especially in cars equipped with electronic devices, including cell phones, video games and global positioning systems. Buckle up and use age-appropriate car safety seats as appropriate. Plan your travel and obey all local laws. Don't drink and drive.

Looking forward, school will be back in session soon and that means children will be walking to and from school and busses will be back on the roadways. Please stay vigilant while driving and look out for children crossing streets and loading and unloading from busses.

Fall also means reduced hours of daylight. This reduced visibility brings new hazards that are not normally encountered during the summertime commute. Drivers, joggers, riders and pedestrians all need to look out for each other.

This Labor Day, take time to reflect on all the hard work we have done to make our country great. Have fun and be safe. Team Hanscom needs you!