Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Safety Awareness This document encourages members of the Eighth Army team to honor veterans on Veterans Day and celebrate Thanksgiving safely. It stresses making responsible decisions, being accountable, and using the Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS) website to plan travel in advance of the holidays. The author reflects on the sacrifices of past Eighth Army soldiers and civilians, and asks members to uphold their legacy and make individually strong decisions that preserve their honor.

1. 11 November 2013
Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Safety Awareness
1. November brings two very important American holidays - Veterans Day and
Thanksgiving. On Veterans Day, we honor those men and women who selflessly serve our
Country around the world and help defend our freedom. On Thanksgiving, we remember
and celebrate our Nation's countless blessings. During these holidays, I encourage each
member of our Eighth Army team to take advantage of the many Korean cultural and
outdoor activities with family and friends .
2. Before the start of these long holiday weekends, I also encourage leaders at every level
to talk to your Soldiers, civilians and contractors about their responsible personal conduct
and how important it is to properly represent Eighth Army. By making the right decisions in
our individual lives and holding ourselves and our subordinates accountable, we are
making our teams and Eighth Army stronger.
3. The decisions we make in our travel planning can also make us stronger. Making the
right decisions in travel starts with planning well in advance and participating in the Travel
Risk Planning System (TRiPS) . The TRiPs program is an excellent risk management tool
for all Soldiers, civilians and their supervisors and is available at
https://trips.safety.army.mil/ako auth/TRIPS/default.aspx.
4. As we reflect on the significance of these two holidays to our Nation, we also recognize
the significance of sacrifice by generations of Eighth Army Soldiers and civilians who
served faithfully and honorably over the last 60 years. We are all responsible to uphold the
reputation and honor they forged in both conflict and armistice. Are we physically, morally,
emotionally and spiritually strong enough to accomplish what prior generations have
accomplished? Are we prepared to preserve their legacy through our individual actions
and accountability? Are we willing to make decisions that make us individually and
collectively stronger? As we enter this special time of year, I am confident your actions will
be a resounding yes. Be safe and be strong!
Eighth Army is strong ... and getting stronger!
Lieutenant General , USA
Commanding