“Due Diligence”

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- First Lt. Iama Warrior was an exceptional officer; the best junior officer in the squadron, future commander material and the ideal officer. 

Since his first pay check, he had been setting money aside each month so that he could buy the car of his dreams the day he pinned on captain. After three months of extensive research and test-drives, he made his choice. 

He knew everything about the vehicle, from every possible performance specifications, to recall notices; he even calculated the annual operating expenses. After all, years of his hard earned pay was at stake, so he wanted to ensure he got the best vehicle his money could buy. 

The day arrived and Captain Warrior drove into the dealership, checkbook in hand and prepared to battle with the sales manager. After two hours, he signed the papers and took the keys to his new car for $3,000 less than what he was prepared to spend. His preparedness paid off. 

However, upon departure, the salesman drew his attention to a motorcycle that was recently traded in, asking price $2,500. He looked it over and reflected on his days as a teenager riding dirt bikes. He figured he still knew how to ride, wouldn't have a problem getting a license and wasn't spending more money than he had saved. 

In a moment of weakness, he made the purchase and made arrangements to come back later to pick it up. An hour later he was back to get the bike. 

On the way home he lost control, dumped the bike and was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Fortunately, for Captain Warrior and his family, he was released the next day with no significant injuries. 

Due diligence defined is the care that a reasonable person exercises under the circumstances to avoid harm to other persons or their property; research and analysis done in preparation for a business transaction. 

We are in the 101 Critical Days of Summer, so there is a heightened emphasis on personal safety, and for good reason. Commanders and supervisors across the Air Force are going to great lengths to arm those they are responsible for with the right tools to make the right decisions and at the right time. 

However, the tools are useless if the individual chooses to ignore them, whether intentionally, or in a moment of weakness. 

Like Captain Warrior, too often we are more apt to exercise due diligence when making a major purchase than when it comes to decisions that can impact our safety. We all have a personal responsibility to exercise due diligence in keeping ourselves safe. We can rebound from a bad purchase, but we only have one life. 

To illustrate my point, I could just as easily used alcohol, seatbelts, water sports or a host of other items briefed over the past couple of weeks, but I chose to use motorcycles for a few reasons. 

One, I am a licensed rider of 25 years, so it is near and dear to my heart. Two, the riding weather is here and there are probably a lot of people contemplating purchasing a bike, returning and first time riders alike. 

And three, I recently received a late night phone call informing me that one of my Airmen was involved in a motorcycle accident. Thankfully, he is up and about and his family has him for another day, but it easily could have been much worse. 

The bottom line is, take to heart the tools the Air Force provides to help keep us safe. The outcome of your decision can have a lasting impact on you, your family and others.
One poor decision could be the last decision, so always exercise due diligence.