Ground safety chief wins AETC level award Published Nov. 3, 2008 By Kevin Chandler 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Mike Matthews, 97th Air Mobility Wing chief of ground safety, has been recognized as the 2008 GEICO Public Service Award winner for Air Education and Training Command. Matthews has been the chief of ground safety for Altus Air Force Base since 2004, and has 34 years of experience in the field. He was named AETC's Ground Safety Manager of the Year and Altus Air Force Base' s Civilian of the Year in 2005. During his career, Matthews has made changes locally and throughout the Air Force. For instance, he pushed to have the summer driving safety slogan printed on all Department of Defense leave and earnings statements last year. He also posted several notices throughout the base to curb prohibited cell phone use. Furthermore, Matthews began distributing glow sticks to children on Halloween to keep them safe from vehicle accidents. Since 2004 trick or treating on base has been mishap free. Motorcycle safety has also been a focus for Matthews. He supervised the construction of a new training range for motorcycle drivers and trained 80 drivers last year. Since 2004 there have been no motorcycle mishaps on base. Matthews will now compete for the Air Force level award.