Holiday good time to travel - but stay smart Published July 1, 2010 501st Combat Support Wing Intelligence Office RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom -- The 4th of July is a time to celebrate; however, we must continue to balance our celebration with our force protection risks, especially during this highly symbolic time for our nation. Many personnel are traveling while others stay closer to home. In either case, we must ensure complacency does not take the place of common sense and good force protection practices. We ask all U.S. Air Forces in Europe personnel and their family members to remain vigilant of their surroundings and to implement prudent measures to protect themselves and others from becoming potential targets. Below are some basic force protection reminders: a. Be alert to your surroundings and report all suspicious activity to your local security forces or AFOSI. (Refer to the Eagle Eyes program for more information as well.) b. Travel in small groups. c. Have a realistic emergency action plan. Know how to contact local or host nation emergency forces in case you need them. d. Let others know where you are going and when you plan on returning. e. Avoid demonstrations and/or rallies. f. Maintain control of your passport and ID at all times. g. Don't display large sums of money. h. Don't dress in a manner that makes you stand out as an American. Blend in with the crowd ... be low key. i. Consider joining an Automobile Club in case of vehicle emergency or breakdown. j. Check for travel advisory messages from the State Department and/or local Embassies (see links): State Department: http://www.state.gov. Embassy: http://usembassy.state.gov. Current Travel Warnings: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. Consular Information Sheets: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/travel.