Risk Management Magazine

As the season's first winter mix began to fall, I made the prudent decision to send my team home early, advising them to beat the impending traffic. Unfortunately, I didn't take my own advice.

As Soldiers, our jobs are inherently dangerous. One moment of inattention can have deadly consequences. Thanks to my unit’s commitment to safety, I had the training and situational awareness to recognize my buddy was in danger.

Shortly after the collision, my friend pulled up next to my car, yelling at me to respond. He’d seen the whole event transpire. All I heard was his muffled voice, but I couldn’t respond. I was dazed and confused. Once I came to, I looked at him in relief because I realized that if he could see me, I must have survived, which gave me an overwhelming sense of relief.