AADD urges Airmen to make responsible choices

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Curt Beach
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  While the holidays are just around the corner and social gatherings become more common, the Airmen Against Drunk Driving council reminds Airmen to be responsible and make good decisions.

AADD is an Airmen-run, volunteer organization designed to provide rides as back-up plans to Airmen who have been drinking when their initial plan for getting home safely falls through. Volunteers man the AADD hotline from 11 p.m. until 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, holidays, and various other days.

Airman 1st Class Mark Clifton, AADD president, says, "Be responsible, look out for yourself and your wingmen, and use the Air Force core values. Any decision you can make, you can filter through at least one of those core values, and that will usually help you make the better decision."

So far this year, the organization's volunteers have potentially saved more than 952 lives with rides provided to Airmen.

"Every life that we can save is a valuable one," said Airman 1st Class Christopher Bailey, 2nd Communications Squadron cable technician. "I've seen the consequences drunken driving can have on someone's career, and AADD is a great resource Airmen have available to help prevent things like that from happening."

An alcohol-related offense can be career-ending in these current times of force reduction.

"We're not just potentially saving lives, we're also saving Airmen's careers," said Clifton. "DUIs can lead to Article 15s or even discharges; AADD is a way to look out for each other."

The positive impact from the Airmen volunteers helping others is a lasting one.

"I'm constantly impressed by all the Airmen we have volunteering, and I am expecting bigger and better things from AADD in the future in terms of our presence on base," said Clifton.

Clifton wants Airmen to know the organization is always willing to take on more volunteers.

"I'm hoping we can get the word out that AADD is for everybody to use and worked by everybody, all ranks, enlisted and officer," said Clifton.

Have a good time during the holidays, but don't make a poor decision that might jeopardize your career or hurt yourself or the life of someone else.

Anyone who needs a ride, would like to volunteer, or for more information call 456-AADD (2233) or visit www.facebook.com/barksdaleaadd.

KEYWORDS: U.S. Air Force, Airmen Against Drunk Driving, AADD, holiday, alcohol, life-saving