Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett One skit during the Fort Gordon Holiday Safety Show Dec. 15 in Alexander Hall demonstrated the danger of leaving bags unattended. Pvt. Andrew Sunderland's Family waited for him to return home to Oregon before decorating the Christmas tree.

But before Sunderland, of the 369th Signal Battalion, could leave Fort Gordon for home and the Christmas trees, his superiors wanted to make sure he and his fellow Soldiers were safe during the holidays.

Trainees, such as Sunderland, attended one of eight performances of the annual Safety Show at Alexander Hall. His company attended during the 11 a.m. Dec. 15 show.

A mix of light-heartedness and tragic reality, the Safety Show highlighted the dangers that can befall anyone during the holidays. "Many of your friends will want to return you to who you used to be," said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Foley, U.S. Army Signal Center and Fort Gordon commanding general, who made an in-person visit as well as a visit via video. "Think before you act."

Video clips of memorial services for Soldiers who didn't return from block leave as well as skits re-iterated the messages of not drinking and driving, staying away from illegal drugs, maintaining gun safety, driving while alert and not trying to drive when sleepy and fire safety.

One skit showed what could happen if a Soldier leaves his bags unattended as a group of terrorists packed his duffle full of explosives.

But the reality is that some Soldiers who've watched the Safety Show in the past have become victims of tragedy.

In December 1999, Pfc. Ben Donaldson left Fort Gordon for his holiday leave. He had planned to be married on Dec. 22; however, on Dec. 19, the driver of the vehicle Donaldson was in fell asleep. The vehicle went into the Arkansas River. Donaldson pushed the driver's wife and baby out of the car, but he was unable to get out of the car and died.

This year, 117 Soldiers have died in car accidents.

Another Fort Gordon Soldier who attended a safety briefing and admitted in a video that he didn't think anything tragic would happen to him was Pvt. Reginald Denney of the 369th Signal Battalion who watched his home go up in flames on Christmas Day.

Foley urged Soldiers to return from Christmas break safely.

"You don't know how important you are to us. You are important to your Families, and these leaders are looking for you to come back safely," he said.