Reconsider travel south of the border Published Dec. 12, 2008 By Col. David W. Allvin 97th Air Mobility Wing commander ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In view of increased criminal activities in Mexico, the State Department has issued several travel alerts for Sonora, Nogales, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and Laredo due to the irrefutable rise in bloodshed. The 2008 body count in the border cities has exceeded 100; more than double the 2007 total according to media reports. Activity from Mexico's increasingly powerful drug cartels has increased and is only expected to get worse. According to Mexico City news reports more than 5,375 people have been murdered in drug cartel-related violence this year alone, more than a 100 percent increase from last year. At this time I am not restricting members of the wing from traveling to Mexico. However, I do want everyone traveling to be more aware of their surroundings. Avoid traveling at night between urban areas and be willing to take responsibility for your own safety. Active duty uniformed members and CONUS-based DoD personnel who are eligible for deployment will receive Level I training annually. Family member 14 years and older traveling beyond CONUS on official business will receive Level I Antiterrorism Awareness Training. Prior to traveling to Mexico, I encourage everyone to read the U.S. Department of State issued alerts. I want everyone to know Mexico may not be a safe place at this time for family leisure travel. If you feel compelled to travel South of the Border, I again say be aware of your surroundings, read the Department of State warnings and complete the Level I training.