AADD: saving lives

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Stuart Bright
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  

Airmen at times run into a situation where they have had to much to drink and cannot find a safe ride home.

Airmen Against Drunk Driving is here to ensure Airmen get home safely to mitigate the risk of driving under the influence or an accident.

“Our main goal is providing rides to Airmen, of any rank, if their plans fall through,” said Senior Airman Christina Douglas-Williams, 2nd Security Forces Squadron plans and programs and AADD president.

The new counsel has enacted changes to improve the Pay it Forward Program. Now if someone uses the service six times in a quarter, they are required to volunteer when it’s their unit’s turn for AADD.

“In the last month we have received six calls,” said Douglas-Williams. “That is six less careers/lives left in jeopardy. However, this year we have had about 18 reported drunk driving incidents that could have been avoided if they had called AADD.”

A DUI not only puts your life and career at risk, it affects others as well. An Airman’s life can change forever due to a drunk driving incident.

“I remember lifting up my foot and attempting to apply the brakes,” said Master Sergeant Mantanona, 8th Air Force Aircraft Maintenance Manager. “The very next moment I wake up to the screams of my wife. My wife was in the back seat screaming at me to wake up because my 8 year-old son, Jarrett, didn’t have a pulse.”

Mantanona just got hit by an oncoming truck that had just blown a stop sign. The driver, who was under the influence of alcohol, struck Mantanona’s car and killed his son. Incidents like this can always be avoided.

“AADD isn't just a four person counsel, it's all Airman against drunk driving,” said Douglas-Williams. “The program can help save people's careers and lives. We should all take it to heart and hold each other accountable as wingmen.”

For more information on the program and how to volunteer, contact AADD at 456-2233 or go to the Rivers Edge from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.