Sober rides save lives

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. , Nov. 17, 2011 — The room is filled with Airmen waiting for a phone call. The pool table is to the right. The air hockey table is in the back to the left. The loungers are toward the center of the room for those who want to relax. No matter what their hobbies are, there is always something to do in the meeting room for the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program.

The Airmen's favorite thing to do, however, is answer the phone when it rings. As soon as the loud ring is heard, Airmen who were relaxing jump from their seats while the others who were playing air hockey stare at the phone with excitement. They are anticipating the life-saving call.

These Airmen volunteered their night to help support the AADD program. They spend their time being wingmen, giving safe rides home to fellow Airmen who have been out drinking. Each Airman they bring home safely is called a "save."

"This was my first time volunteering for AADD," said Airman 1st Class Cody Taylor, 2nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman. "It's a great program. I had two saves, met a few new friends and had the chance to earn volunteer hours."

Airman 1st Class Jason Lincoln, 2 SFS patrolman, agreed the experience was worth it. He had the opportunity to go on several calls.

"It was a lot of fun," Lincoln said. "We had nine saves throughout the weekend. Knowing we were able to get those Airmen home safely made it an extremely rewarding experience."

The AADD program has had more than 360 saves so far this year. Senior Airman Joe Tafuro, 2 SFS desk sergeant, is sure there are still a lot of Airmen who aren't utilizing the program.

"I think the message we need to get out there is to not be afraid to call," Tafuro said. "We volunteer time to help our peers, and we look forward to getting those life-saving calls. Donating a night of time to give Airmen rides home is so much better than the alternatives they could face."

The AADD program runs Fridays and Saturdays from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. The program also opens up additional nights during long weekends and holidays to accommodate for the Airmen who may need safe rides home.

The next time a safe ride home is needed, do not hesitate to call 456-2233. The Airmen volunteering their time are patiently waiting to save a life.