"This is a major milestone and CSM Jesse Andrews and I couldn't be more proud of our soldiers," said 3rd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo. "A Soldier's life is inherently dangerous. Every day, we handle weapons and work on or operate unforgiving vehicles and equipment. Even without the presence of an armed enemy, there are so many ways to be severely injured or killed. What this achievement means is our Soldiers have maintained a level of self-discipline, awareness and care, both on and off-duty for an extended period of time. Every trooper, from private to colonel, has our respect and admiration for doing so."

The safety milestone was announced as Soldiers of the 3rd ID began training for its next deployment and emphasizing its mission readiness. In recognition of the milestone, April 27 will be a training holiday for the installation's Soldiers. Army Civilians are encouraged to take leave based on mission needs.

The 3rd ID, located at Fort Stewart, offers many programs to help Soldiers and their Family Members reduce their risk of being in an accident. These programs include motorcycle safety courses, alcohol awareness programs, and safety reminders around post.

With the increased traffic due to upcoming deployments, safety has become a higher priority and reminders to be conscience of safety are located in every part of the post. Speed limits have been reduced in training areas during major maneuvers to ensure safety.

"We work very hard to help our soldiers prevent accidents here at Fort Stewart," said Stewart-Hunter garrison commander Col. Todd Buchs. "Soldiers are our most valuable asset and we want to give them tools to prevent accidents."

As the installation surpasses this milestone, units must maintain safety awareness and strive for continuing accident prevention.

"Our collective challenge now is to make it another 100 days fatality free," Cucolo said. "And the degree of difficulty for that milestone just went up: the months of May and June will bring the highest density of soldiers and vehicles of all types in Fort Stewart training areas. Thousands of Soldiers and hundreds of vehicles will be moving across our tank trails and highways. Gunnery, convoys, live fire, re-fueling, and ammo handling, long days and short nights all combine to make this a period of high risk. With the same vigilance we've shown these last 100 days, I'll bet we can do it all safely for another hundred."

Recognition for enhanced safety and proven success is an integral part of the safety program. One 3rd ID unit, the 1-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, was recognized with an alcohol free streamer. The unit has not had an alcohol-related incident in the past 180 days.

"This is an impressive achievement," Cucolo said. "Placing this streamer on the unit's colors tells us that individually and collectively, everyone-100 percent of this formation-routinely decided to do the right thing. The Soldiers and Family Members of the Desert Cats have every right to be proud of their unit."

The soldiers, family members and Army civilians are committed to do the right things when it comes to safety and looking out for each other's well-being.