AADD; Can’t stop, won’t stop

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Social drinking isn't a crime, driving home after having several drinks and having a BAC over the legal limit is a crime. Airmen Against Drunk Driving is a program committed to making sure Airmen don't have to commit that crime.

While it is an Airman's responsibility to have a plan for transportation when they're out drinking, AADD offers rides to make sure no Airman is left behind. Rides are provided in the North Pole and Fairbanks areas from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on the weekends to include holidays.

AADD employs volunteers as drivers for both on-and off-base calls and a CQ volunteer who is responsible for receiving calls and dispatching the drivers.

"I have been volunteering with an AADD program for over half of my Air Force career because it is a great way to keep our Airmen out of harm's way. I think it is a great program and I will continue to work with AADD as long as I am in the Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Ashley Newton, the AADD scheduler.

At this time, active duty military members and dependents, Air National Guardsmen on orders, and servicemembers on a temporary duty assignment can use the ride services provided by AADD. With the influx of people from exercises like NORTHERN EDGE and RED FLAG-Alaska it is important to have AADD available.

In the hopes that individuals would not have to go through the DUI process, AADD reinforces what is expected of Airmen if they decide to drink by conducting briefings for first term Airmen and Airmen new to Eielson.

To better serve military members, AADD and Soldiers Against Drunk Driving from Fort Wainwright coordinate trips to pick up Airmen and Soldiers. The drivers meet and swap passengers allowing volunteers to remain available in their respective areas for better response times.

Just the knowledge that if all else fails there is still a safe way to get home, can provide party-goers with a sense of security.

According to Tech. Sgt. Gary Lutz, AADD president, ideally there would be no saves and hundreds of days on the DUI board. However, after being a volunteer for several years, he understands that sometimes plans fall through.

While AADD should be a last resort, volunteers still highly encourage those who need a ride to call. AADD does not ask for names or identifying information from passengers and any information received is not passed on to supervisors or first sergeants.

"We will never interrogate them or make them feel bad. Our intentions are strictly to get the person home safely without putting anyone in danger," said Sergeant Newton.

There are many excuses for driving home after having several drinks but none are valid.

"Some think leaving their vehicle is an inconvenience. Airmen that leave their vehicle are paying a small price for keeping themselves and others safe," she said. "There should never be a question as to which is more important."

Volunteers may contact an AADD council member to schedule their time to volunteer.
"Volunteer drivers and CQ volunteers are available to facilitate a save -- we can't stop, we won't stop offering rides to those in need," said Sergeant Lutz.

The number for AADD is 377-RIDE (7433). It is better to call from the bar than from jail.