Hi Team!

As we enter the summer season, the Rhode Island Wing is stepping into our busiest operational period of the year. While this brings incredible opportunities for flight operations, emergency services training, and cadet activities, it also brings a sharp spike in operational and recreational hazards. Historically, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day marks the 101 Critical Days of Summer, a time when we must be explicitly vigilant about risk management. To ensure we are fully prepared, I am directing a Wing-wide Safety Focus Day. This is a deliberate leadership pause designed to sharpen our risk decisions, reinforce our professional standards, and strengthen our overall readiness. This initiative is proactive, not punitive; it is an investment in protecting our equipment and, most importantly, our most precious resource, you. As our National Commander, Maj Gen Regena Aye, recently noted: "To be a disciplined, trusted, and effective non-profit, we must excel in the safety and stewardship of our people and resources. We cannot accomplish our missions otherwise." Your Action Items To align with this Safety Focus Day mandate, all Rhode Island Wing members are required to review the following training videos and materials prior to participating in summer operations:

1. Watch the "Safety Focus Day" Briefing Video: This commander-led brief outlines our core focus areas, including recent safety signals, aviation/ground handling discipline, vehicle safety, cadet health (heat and hydration management), and building a transparent reporting culture. Rhode Island Civil Air Patrol: Safety Focus Day Briefing - https://youtu.be/XCFJzYdNblE 2. Watch the "101 Critical Days of Summer" Video Series: This series breaks down critical off-duty and recreational hazards—ranging from water and heat safety to driving and home safety—to ensure you and your families stay safe all season long. 101 Critical Days of Summer 2026 - Part 1 - https://youtu.be/xh5IjZ382Vc 101 Critical Days of Summer 2026 - Part 2 - https://youtu.be/4kYj0TOh2xU 101 Critical Days of Summer 2026 - Part 3 - https://youtu.be/-eXbsa2BPug 101 Critical Days of Summer 2026 - Part 4 - https://youtu.be/KpDK464ngQY 3. Review the Shared Resources: Please check out the 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign from the Air Force Safety Center.

Our Collective Goal Success for this initiative will not be measured by mere attendance or video views. True success means real behavior change: making better decisions, identifying hazards early, actively reporting near-misses without fear of blame, and looking out for your wingman. Please look to your squadron leadership for specific schedules regarding localized, facilitated discussions on these materials. Thank you for your dedication to the mission, your professionalism, and your commitment to keeping the Rhode Island Wing safe and operational. Let’s lead by example this summer. Semper Vigilans!

Carpe diem,

Col Stan Skrabut

Rhode Island Wing Interim Commander

Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary

(M) 307.287.8147

GoCivilAirPatrol.comhttps://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/

riwg.cap.govhttp://riwg.cap.gov/

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