Task force aims to make Sabers ‘SAFER’

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Due to increasing numbers of alcohol-related occurrences and incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol, base leadership is searching for ways to keep Sabers safe on and off the road. But, how do you prevent Airmen of all ranks from making poor decisions when under the influence of alcohol?

A multitude of measures were implemented in an effort to assist Airmen in making responsible choices as numbers increased. One question was whether the base could increase the drinking age, but that was deemed illegal. So, other actions were taken, to include the limiting of alcohol sales to certain hours, setting a temporary curfew, implementing town patrols to check on Airmen at off-base establishments and reminding Airmen of the Ride for Life program as they left the installation during late-night, weekend hours.

With an idea of assisting Airmen in modifying the mindset about drinking and the choices they make, 52nd Fighter Wing Commander Col. Tip Wight requested the organization of a task force to spearhead information-gathering and suggestion-making.

And then there was SAFER, Saber Airmen Focused on Excellence and Responsibility.

SAFER's ultimate goal is to reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents. But the overall objective is to encourage Airmen to focus on values that make them an asset to their unit, the base and the U.S. Air Force - Professionalism. Integrity. Honor. But in order to be an asset, Airmen need to be physically and mentally prepared to perform their mission, which excessive amounts of alcohol inhibits.

"I believe strongly in the community taking care of the community, therefore I have volunteered to lead this task force," said Col. (Dr.) Michael Kucsera, 52nd Dental Squadron commander. "There is a problem in our community - having excess numbers of alcohol incidents - and we need to find some solutions,"

Plans for the program include employing focus groups of Airmen led by Airmen, providing the typical target age group - 18 to 24 year olds, senior airmen and below - with a means of communicating their experiences in hopes that the rest of the wing can benefit. But there will also be focus groups comprised of older, higher-ranking Airmen, single Airmen, married Airmen and various other demographics.

"Anything we can do to stem the tide against DUIs and AROs in all rank categories is a worthwhile effort," said Capt. Brian Scozzaro, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Flight commander and SAFER deputy. "SAFER has been established to do just that - to serve as a means to reduce the number of these events from happening in the future."

"It's important to note that we won't just be looking at the E-1s through E-4s, but all personnel and their family members at this installation to make sure we're seeing the bigger picture," Captain Scozzaro said.

SAFER advisors will look into facts and figures from different agencies across the base to include security forces, force support, chapel, legal, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program.

In putting this data together, SAFER will search for common causes behind each alcohol-related incident and ideas for improving available means of drinking safely. The group will also research non-alcohol based activities for Airmen.

While establishing the task force was a quick process, the results driven from the program will not be immediate.

"We have to understand this is a journey, not a sprint," said 52nd Fighter Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Kenney. "What we really want here is a long-term effect on the community and we have 110 percent of the resources in this task force."

The resources include all Sabers and their families - Every unit. Every person.

"Look forward to these initiatives. Be a part of this. Participate in surveys and participate in the focus groups," Doctor Kucsera said. "It's crucial that you become involved. Seek out your unit's SAFER representative with any ideas or solutions you might have to improve our community."

"Be a SAFER Saber," he said.