Nobody likes “That Guy”

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sean Martin
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Being "That Guy" is something no one wants to become. It is a look that many people find unattractive and immature.

The "That Guy" campaign has two goals: to reduce alcohol abuse and to raise awareness of the negative short-term social consequences of excessive drinking.

"That Guy" is an outreach effort for Airmen of all ages and ranks to help people recognize when they may be engaging in high risk or hazardous activities while drinking alcohol," said Tech. Sgt. Aaron Hurd, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Treatment NCO in-charge.

Most military members and family members drink responsibly and recognize the dangers of alcohol abuse, yet there are some who regularly consume large quantities of alcohol in a short amount of time to get drunk.

The multimedia campaign uses websites, posters, coasters and playing cards with the goal of reducing excessive drinking among young service members. The campaign encourages young enlisted personnel to reject binge drinking because it detracts from the things they care about.

"Airmen need to consider that they may be "That Guy" and not even know it," said Capt. Stephen Thayer, 2nd Medical Operations Squadron Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program Manager. "Your friends might all know that you are the sloppy drunk in the group, but you might not. Education is key."

Airmen who feel they may have a drinking problem have many resources available to them to get help before it is too late.

"Airmen who are off-base on the weekend and have had too much to drink can call Airmen Against Drunk Driving, 456-AADD, or a local taxi cab to pick them up," said Thayer. "There is also ADAPT, Military OneSource and the Airman and Family Readiness Center available to them for help and guidance."

It is important that Airmen take care of one another. If they recognize a problem, they need to act on it before it becomes too late.

"Being an Airman means being a part of something bigger than yourself," said Thayer. "Airmen should consider that if irresponsible drinking takes them out of the fight then their work center suffers, too. It's our job as Airmen to be good wingmen and keep each other safe so we can continue to accomplish the mission."