ACC vice commander leads conference on AF incidents

  • Published
  • By Airman Dillian Bamman
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Lori Robinson, Air Combat Command vice commander, briefed ACC base leadership on varying incidents across the Air Force during a video teleconference call Dec. 19, 2013.

During the briefing, the leaders participated in discussion on the importance of operational risk management and coordination with Airmen's chain of command.
Three incidents were discussed thoroughly, which included a fatality, suicide and save discussion, where any Airman who attended had a chance to ask questions regarding the situations.

The first discussion was about 2nd Lt. Arthur Glaz, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron deputy commander out of Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

Glaz was under the influence of alcohol and decided to go skiing at Keystone Ski Resort, Colo., and he collided with a tree, which resulted in his death on Feb. 8, 2012.

Col. James Thompson, 49th Wing vice commander, said, "I wish I would've conducted a high-risk activity briefing, even if it isn't required for this activity."

Robinson added that Thompson should have been more intrusive to find out any indications of other high-risk activities he may have been participating in.
"I hope everyone learns a lesson from this," she said.

Col. Chad Franks, 23d Wing commander, commented by saying, "He was hanging out with his college buddies, who were probably not affiliated with the military. If (2nd Lt. Glaz) had an Airman there with him, I feel this could have been prevented."

The second discussion was about Tech. Sgt. Derek Langford, 799th Air Base Squadron, Creech Air Force Base, Nev.

Langford was found dead in the Las Vegas desert in his truck with a gunshot wound to the head on Aug. 16, 2013.

Maj. Randolph Witt, 799th Air Base Squadron commander, had a few things to say on this matter.

"I am a firm believer in intrusive leadership, but sometimes even that isn't enough," he said.

After the briefing, Franks said to the Moody Airmen who attended, "Leadership won't always prevent accidents, but it can help."

The final discussion was about an anonymous Airman who was saved from a possible incident through help from a Mental Health Clinic and their care in checking up on the Airman.

Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Wells, 23d Wing command chief, had something to say about recognizing the need to seek professional help when facing hard times.

"It happens, but if you take care of it early, it won't slow you down," he said.

These incidents all have a lesson that can be learned, whether it be don't drink alcohol when participating in high-risk activities or having the courage to console your wingmen when they're going through a tough time.