AADD reaches milestone

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Airman Against Drunk Driving more than doubled the number of rides they provided to Sabers last year when they reached the 832nd ride mark this weekend.

"This shows that the Spangdahlem military community knows our number," said Master Sgt. Patrick Carmichael, AADD president. "It also means they realize the dangers and consequences of driving drunk. They make the smart choice to call us instead of risking lives and careers."

People at Spangdahlem Air Base saw the exodus of the "Drunk Bus," which led to an increase of AADD phone calls.

"It is important we all act as wingman and our AADD program is one way to truly practice this," said Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke, 52nd Fighter Wing command chief. "Thank you to all the volunteers who help with this important aspect of 'Taking Care of One Another' at Spangdahlem.

"These folks give up their personal time and use their own vehicles to help Airmen," Chief Clarke said. "This is awesome! However, we all need to ensure that we have a "responsible" plan when we know we may be drinking. Should we find that our plan has broken down or failed, then AADD is a great way to "save your career, yourself and others."

The AADD program relies on a solid volunteer base to be able to provide their services.

"This is a volunteer organization; we rely on the generosity of others to commit their time to make this work," Sergeant Carmichael said. "Without volunteers, we do not have a program. If you have used our service, I hope you will consider 'coming to the other side' a time or two."

AADD operates Saturdays and Sundays from 1 - 5 a.m. When there is enough volunteer support, AADD also operates during three-day weekends and special occasions like the Super Bowl.

"Each weekend we have 14 positions available; seven on Saturdays, seven on Sundays," Sergeant Carmichael said. "Each of those nights, we have one CQ dispatcher position at a centralized location, three drivers for Bitburg and three drivers for Spangdahlem. The drivers may stay at home until called for a pick up; just be ready to go once called.

"This is a great avenue for volunteerism and community service," he said. "We are only looking after our own and there are many interesting people you meet along the way. Not everyone is totally [intoxicated]; many have had a few social drinks and recognize they are better off getting a ride. Most of the rides are no longer than 20 minutes and, with a full slate of volunteers, you may only drive a few times a night."

Sergeant Carmichael said there should not be a stigma associated with calling AADD.

"We do not ask for real names," Sergeant Carmichael said. "We take pride that our service is anonymous. You could tell us you are King Kong and we are fine with that; just tell us where you are and where you want to go."

Even with a full AADD staff in place, Sabers need to make responsible choices when they go out.

"We would love to give everyone a ride, but sometimes we have circumstances beyond our control which hinder our mission," Sergeant Carmichael said. "If this happens, please make the right choice; wait for a taxi or call a friend or supervisor -- just don't drink and drive."

Having a plan to arrive home safely before going out should be on everyone's mind before they leave their house, according to Chief Clarke.

"AADD should not be our plan, but it is an alternative when plans fail," Chief Clarke said. "Thanks to Sergeant Carmichael and all those in leadership who make this important program run for our Airmen and our families."

For more information about AADD, e-mail 52fw.aadd@spangdahlem.af.mil.