Airmen Against Drunk Driving make record saves during 2006

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danny Monahan
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (ACCNS) --  More than 750 Airmen assigned here made it home safely in 2006 thanks to a group of volunteers.

Airmen Against Drunk Driving is a volunteer-based organization that provides military members a safe and anonymous ride home to help prevent driving-under-the-influence incidents.

Shattering its 2005 mark of 613, AADD had a record year in 2006 with a total of 756 saves.

"We continue to get our message out to people," said Capt. Travis Halleman, 5th Medical Operations Squadron and AADD president. "People are remembering our message and hearing it from just about everyone on base. First we make ourselves as available as possible. We also sponsor events trying to get our name out there as a reminder."

A key factor to the increase in AADD's saves for 2006 is the group's addition of Thursday coverage in its schedule for April 2006 - making Team Minot one of the few bases with a three-day program.

"We had comments from individuals here who work nights or weekends that they don't work the 'banker's hours,'" said Captain Halleman. "So we decided to add a day and try it for the rest of the year."

With growing success each year, AADD has high expectations for 2007.

"Our biggest goal is to help reduce DUIs by at least 25 percent," said Captain Halleman. "With this, we are looking at the program and deciding how our resources are being used."

Although AADD is in place to deter alcohol-related driving incidents, Airmen should have a plan before they drink, according to Mark Mittelstadt, 5th Security Forces Squadron.

"Know how you're going to get home safely before you start drinking, not after," he said. "Have someone be the designated driver for the night."

For those who do not have a plan or plans fail, there is AADD.

"Driving home after drinking is not the last option and should never be attempted," Mr. Mittelstadt added. "Use of AADD should be the last option after other plans have failed." In other words, the leadership message is: Have a plan. When the plan locks up, AADD is available.

AADD's availability is possible because of volunteers.

"Without the volunteers, we would not be a successful program," the captain said. "They have stepped up and volunteered their own vehicle, gas, insurance and time. The very concept of the program is what makes it successful."

AADD is always looking for more volunteers and new ideas to increase the awareness of the program, added Captain Halleman. Additionally, volunteering for AADD promises more than persanal reward.

"For the first time, we had an end-of-the-year appreciation party last year for our members, which was a huge success," said Captain Halleman. "Considering people donate so much, it makes sense to give much more back to them through recognition. This in turn will help us build an even bigger and better volunteer force that will help provide people a ride home."

According to Airman Hacker, he donates his time because he believes in being a good wingman.

"I enjoy the program a lot because it lets me meet other people on the base and develop bonds with people that I would not originally have the opportunity to talk with," he said. "I would have to say that it makes me and all of the other volunteers out there feel that we have made a major difference in the community by saving lives and helping a fellow Airman in need."