Thinking, drinking responsibly

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
In the past two months, volunteers from Airman Against Drunk Driving have saved 26 Team Little Rock members from the dangers of drinking and driving. 

The purpose of the program is to prevent alcohol-related driving incidents by offering military ID card holders a free ride home, without fear of consequence, when their plan for the evening falls through. 

"The short-term goal of the program is to immediately decrease driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated incidents for members of the Air Force, particularly here at Little Rock Air Force Base," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Goodwin, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron AADD president. "The long-term goal is to actually change the culture of the Airmen; to get them to have a plan, execute the plan and use AADD to ultimately save their careers and lives, if all else fails." 

In Arkansas, there's a difference between DUIs and DWIs. 

"When the violator is under 21 years old the statute is DUI if the blood alcohol content is above .02 to .08," said Senior Airman Brian Rich, 19th Security Forces Squadron trainer. "When the violator is over the age of 21 and exceeds a BAC level of .08 it's considered a DWI." 

He explained that minors can be charged with DWI, instead of DUI, if his or her BAC level is over .08. This statute does not specify that the intoxicant must be alcohol; therefore driving under the influence of a controlled substance could constitute DWI. 

In addition to providing free rides home, AADD also teaches Airmen how to plan responsibly before beginning their endeavors for the day or evening. 

"A plan should consist of who's going to take you to your destination, who will pick you up, where you'll meet and just making sure that everything is planned out with as much detail as possible," said Sergeant Goodwin. 

But if a plan fails, AADD is there to give a free ride. 

"AADD is also responsible for educating people on the entire process: the concept of having a plan, executing it and then AADD being a fail-safe," said Sergeant Goodwin. "We're not going to be the person who you call and [not] show up." 

"It's very important that we have AADD to provide Airmen with a backup plan in case their plan fails," said Senior Airman Amanda Boettcher, 19th Operations Support Squadron and an AADD volunteer. "There is never an excuse to drink and drive." 

Getting a DUI or DWI is not worth the repercussions when programs are put in place to prevent them from happening. 

"Someone's life or your career is not worth drinking and driving. Have a plan and follow it," said Capt. Robert Shaw, 19th SFS operations officer. 

The program would not be possible without volunteers. Team Little Rock members interested in being a part of the program can attend AADD's monthly meeting or call Sergeant Goodwin at 987-5311 to volunteer. Volunteers must have a valid driver's license and a vehicle. 

"I recommend volunteering to be a designated driver for AADD, especially if you have used the program," said Airman Boettcher. "AADD is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week operation and it requires volunteers for the success of the program. 

"Volunteering with AADD gives Airmen the chance to help other Airmen," she said. "The Air Force is a responsible team and we look out for each other."