Fort Leonard Wood Express Manager’s Winning Motto Demonstrates 24/7 Commitment to Safety
It took a bit of beginner’s luck when Matthew Brown, annex supervisor at the Hospital Express at Fort Leonard Wood, won the 2024 Health and Safety Motto contest. It was the nine-year Exchange associate’s first time entering, with the motto, “It’s 2024! Safety begins before you walk through the door.”
“I’ve seen quite a few of the submissions and I thought about submitting, but this is the first time I actually submitted one,” Brown said. “I got lucky.”
Brown said he gathered inspiration from previous entries, as well as from an injury he suffered last year off-duty while working on a construction project. “I was doing things my own way and not following proper precautions they teach us at work. I ended up missing almost three weeks of work because of it,” Brown said. “It just came to fruition with the winter weather, messages Loss Prevention sends out, weekly trainings. It really is 24/7.”
Because he is the only associate at the Hospital Express, safe practices are always at the forefront.
“Typically, the safe way, the way that will keep you from getting injured, is the correct way you’re taught,” Brown said. “Do the right thing and you’ll get it done right the first time.”
Brown credits the Exchange for fostering a culture of safety.
“I’ve been a fan of the new observation checklist initiated in the last couple of years,” he said. “It allows managers and supervisors to observe behavior and immediately recognize that associate for doing things the right way. I know when you start calling people out for the good they do and other associates take notice, that does become contagious.”
More than 900 entries were submitted for the worldwide contest.
“The team was challenged to pick a winner,” said Vice President of Loss Prevention and Safety Tommie Caudle. “It’s exciting to see so many associates throughout the Exchange submit ideas and help spread the importance of safety.”
Brown received a $100 Exchange gift card, challenge coin and certificate of appreciation from the health and safety office. The four runners-up received a $50 Exchange gift card, challenge coin and certification of appreciation.
First runner-up: “BEE safe today to keep accidents away!”
Justin Trujillo, safety and security associate, Fort Carson
Second runner-up: “Accidents big or small, avoid them all!”
Rhama Poole, warehouse receiver, Travis AFB
Third runner-up: “Safe and sound all year ’round”
Erick Wilson, firearms receiver, Tinker AFB
Fourth runner-up: “Safety is the goal, please do your role.”
Janel Hamilton, services business manager, Fort Huachuca
