{"id":534119,"date":"2025-07-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=534119"},"modified":"2025-07-15T13:14:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T13:14:14","slug":"safety-starts-with-me-be-prepared-aware-when-hitting-the-hiking-trails-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=534119","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Safety starts with me\u2019 \u2013 be prepared, aware when hitting the hiking trails this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Safety starts with me \u2013 Cpt. Kellie O\u2019Boyle, the 405th Army Field Support Brigade security and intelligence officer (S-2), said she is a big advocate of the \u2019Ten Essentials of Hiking\u2019 which are navigation, light, sun protection, first aid, tools, fire, shelter, food and water, clothing, and communication. Pictured here, O\u2019Boyle hikes in Hawaii.
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\n Safety starts with me \u2013 \u201cKnow your trails. I\u2019ll read reviews from other hikers to gain a better understanding of the terrain and any changes to the trails. I\u2019ll also avoid hiking too late in the day to mitigate the risks associated with hiking during low light conditions. I like to be able see and hear everything around me,\u201d said LaShaun Chappell, the 405th Army Field Support Brigade safety specialist.
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KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany \u2013 Hiking during the summer is a very popular pastime. In fact, here in Germany \u2018Volksmarching\u2019 is one of biggest summer social activities. Leann Fraka and LaShaun Chappell recommend getting outside and hitting the hiking trails while the weather is right but be prepared and aware. And most importantly, be safe.<\/p>\n

As part of their \u201csafety starts with me\u201d campaign and the Army\u2019s 101 critical days of summer safety, Fraka and Chappell \u2013 the 405th Army Field Support Brigade Safety Team \u2013 want everyone to keep safety in mind while hiking. And many of the brigade\u2019s most avid hikers couldn\u2019t agree with them more.<\/p>\n

Hanni Marchuk is the acting director of Logistics Readiness Center Wiesbaden, 405th AFSB, and an avid hiker. Marchuk said she\u2019s currently training for a Zugspitze hike in southeastern Bavaria next month, and her most recent training hike over the weekend was 19 kilometers carrying a 15-pound pack. She said she\u2019s a firm believer in staying safe when out on the trails.<\/p>\n

\u201cGermany has some great hiking trails. It\u2019s great for your health and you get to see some incredible areas outside of the cities and towns,\u201d said Marchuk. \u201cWhen it comes to safety, always inform someone of your hiking plans, including your route and expected return time, and always carry a basic first aid kit as well as snacks and plenty of water as hiking can drain your energy quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Army Cpt. Kellie O\u2019Boyle is another avid 405th AFSB hiker who understands the importance of safety. The brigade security and intelligence officer (S-2) has been training for the world-famous 4-day Nijmegen March in the Netherlands happening this week, and she said she\u2019s a big advocate of the \u2019Ten Essentials of Hiking\u2019 which are:<\/p>\n