AMC/CV highlights VPP during McGuire visit Published Sept. 19, 2007 By Capt. Anthony Duggan 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- The vice commander of Air Mobility Command visited McGuire Sept. 18 to highlight the Air Force's Voluntary Protection Program. During his short visit, Lt. Gen. Christopher Kelly emphasized to unit commanders the importance of using the industry-proven principles of VPP to reduce preventable mishaps in the Air Force. "We are in a period of Air Force history where we are facing unique challenges and doing more with less," he said. "Everyone needs to be a safety person. VPP is about empowering every individual - civilian and military alike - to watch out for hazards in the workplace and take action ... without waiting for the safety office to react." Created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, VPP is a program designed to help to reduce the number of preventable work-related injuries and illnesses. The general encouraged commanders to seek a cultural change: zero acceptance of preventable mishaps. He then emphasized that for VPP to be a success and for every Airman and civilian to embrace VPP, base leadership must be involved and embrace VPP first. "The purpose of VPP is to provide every member of Team McGuire the understanding that they are the first step in protecting the Air Force's number one and ultimate resource - our people," said Col. Rick Martin, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander.