Airmen utilize Wingman Policy, avoid DUI

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
The first alcohol-induced incident occurred Jan. 14. A civilian under the influence violently crashed his truck into Barksdale's West Gate at 3:35 a.m. 

Airmen need to utilize other options of transportation to get home safely. 

Barksdale's mobile security force units responded to the scene and upon arrival immediately checked to see if the individual was injured.

"The individual damaged government property," said Master Sgt. Sidney Pitcher, 2d Security Forces Squadron non-commissioned officer of police services. "He destroyed four of the orange bollards and caused disabling damage to his vehicle." 

The collision looked so bad that security forces instantly went to the vehicle to see if the driver was hurt. 

"Police asked the individual if he had sustained any injuries and if medical assistance was needed, to which he replied 'no,'" Sergeant Pitcher explained. "The individual appeared disoriented, but fine. That is usually how it seems to play out, the drunk driver walks away with barely a scratch on him while the victims they collided with lose their life or are seriously injured." 

Although the individual already appeared disoriented, he was still given a standardized field sobriety test. Security forces took his vehicle keys and informed the individual that he was suspected of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. 

"The subject exhibited a total of six clues that he was in fact intoxicated," said Sergeant Pitcher. "While conducting the walk and turn, he started too soon and could not keep his balance. He stepped off the line on his second step and missed heel-to-toe. He was also unable to complete the one leg stand due to safety issues." 

After 30 minutes, he was placed under apprehension and taken to the law enforcement desk on base. While there, the individual consented to using a breathalyzer which showed a breath alcohol content of .207 - almost twice the legal limit. 

Due to one night of poor decision making, the individual now awaits prosecution and faces possible jail time and being dropped from his insurance policy. 

"The individual is 100 percent at fault," Sergeant Pitcher said. "His insurance will pay for all of the damage - if he is not dropped from his policy - and his premiums are going to be outrageous. You can't afford a DUI." 

This incident stands as the first on-base DUI of 2009. With several options on hand for Airmen, there is no reason for driving drunk. 

According to Sergeant Pitcher, a good Wingman will never deny someone who is intoxicated a ride home. 

However, if all else fails, Airmen Against Drunk Driving can be used as a last minute outlet. 

The primary purpose of AADD is to provide the Department of Defense ID card holders with a safe, anonymous and free ride home instead of driving their own vehicles while intoxicated. 

"Airmen should first have a designated driver, and then utilize the Wingman Policy or their chain of command," said Senior Airman Joanna Kresge, AADD vice president. "If these plans fall through, AADD offers a safe, free ride home." 

Airmen should not be afraid to call because of possible repercussion, as AADD is anonymous. 

AADD can be reached at 456-0013 from 11:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.