National Safety Council names Air Force safety manager 'Rising Star' Published Nov. 14, 2012 Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The National Safety Council named Master Sgt. Anthony F. Blodgett, safety superintendent at the 1st Air Support Operations Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, a 'Rising Star of Safety.' The honor recognizes Blodgett's impact on Air Force mishap reduction efforts. While assigned as ground safety manager at the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Blodgett led five safety professionals responsible for the safe operation of 14,000 people in 12,000 facilities operating in 16 locations across five European nations. Among the accomplishments noted by the NSC were Blodgett's contributions to the successful launch of 40 mishap-free combat missions in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn and risk-abatement efforts associated with the first American Airshow with flight demonstrations in Europe in 23 years, resulting in flawless aerial event for 40,000 international spectators. Blodgett also built and promoted Spangdahlem's 101 Critical Days of Summer Safety Challenge, an initiative that led to a 20 percent reduction of mishaps and a 73 percent reduction in vehicular accidents during the summer danger period. A driver improvement course he designed for people who displayed unsafe driving practices led to the number of repeat offenders dropping by 95 percent. He also expanded the advanced driving course to spouses, leading to a 13 percent decrease in accidents among spouses. Blodgett, who has worked in safety for eight years, said he sees safety as crucial to the success and sustainment of an organization. "I work in safety because it's a mission enabler," he said. "It allows us to retain our resources and execute our inherently risky mission in the safest way possible."