September 17, 2015 --
Dates remind people of historic events whether it is a
birthday or unfortunately something they would rather forget.
Many Americans may feel three dates in particular have impacted
the way they live.
Although domestic terrorism had occurred before April 19,
1995, others may believe there were no acts that left the carnage or imprint in
Americans’ minds like the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma.
Schools were considered a safe place for children until that
notion was shattered April 20, 1999, when two students attacked their fellow
students and teachers at Columbine High School, Littleton, Colorado.
Then there was the Pearl Harbor of generation X, born
between 1966-1976, and early generation Y, born between 1977-1994, according to
the website, www.socialmarketing.org/newsletter/features/generation3.htm, when
international terrorism was no longer being watched on TV and taking place in a
foreign country, but on American soil when terrorists attacked the nation, Sept
11, 2001.
Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany law enforcement officials
and a former antiterrorism officer voiced the opinion that, “the wolves are at
the door. The choice we must make is will we be sheep or sheep dogs. Sheep
follow blindly while the sheep dog protects the herd. You don’t have to be a
police officer or a member of the military to protect the sheep.”
Base officials recommended active-duty service members,
civil servants, contractors, families, retirees and veterans keep vigilant to help
ensure their safety and the safety of those around them and follow the below
tips:
-
See something, say something! Notifying
authorities of suspicious behavior may be the key to stopping a horrific event
from taking place. Go to www.usmceagleeyes.org
and file a report or if it is something that needs immediate attention dial 911
for off base reporting or 229-639-5911 for on base reporting.
-
Stay alert, stay alive! Be aware of your
surroundings at all times. If something looks suspicious or out of place then
leave the area and report it to authorities. Take violent acts or threats of
violence seriously.
-
Before traveling outside of the United States peruse
the Department of States website, http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html,
for any travel alerts that may pertain to a destination.
-
If
caught in a violent situation such as an active shooter incident, try to run,
hide or as a last resort fight.