Airmen helping Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Duhon
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Dover Air Force Base, Del. --  Ten Airmen were recognized by Chief Master Sgt. James Smith, 436th Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant, for an achievement of at least 100 hours of volunteer time to the Dover Airmen Against Drunk Driving program, either as drivers or dispatchers, on Feb. 14, 2013, at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

DAADD was established May 26, 2000 to provide a safe ride home for Team Dover members who are responsibly seeking help to avoid drinking and driving.

"Recognition is not important to me personally," said Airman 1st Class Robert Maynard, volunteer for DAADD with the 436th Maintenance Squadron. "But, I love that the squadron takes time to show its appreciation for its volunteers. This program is held together by the Airmen that care about it."

DAADD had over 5,000 volunteer hours in 2012 alone and has helped to save over 1,000 careers since 2010.

Master Sgt. Matthew Galiszuski, 436th Medical Group first sergeant and DAADD mentor, remembers when he was a young Airman he participated with his local version of the DAADD program at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, but never at the levels of what the awarded Airmen had.

"I believe in this program," said Galiszuski. "It is so easy when you think about it, Airmen helping Airmen, and it is amazing to see that one Airman had over 300 hours."
Airman 1st Class Robert Maynard has achieved 315 hours for the year, and has over 1,000 hours total.

"I didn't even think it would be possible for me to reach 1,000 hours," said Maynard. "The numbers I really pay attention to are the number of passengers I've gotten home."
Some Team Dover members volunteer to help out, but many have personal reasons.

"A really close friend of mine was killed by a drunk driver in March of 2009," said Maynard. "He and his driver had been drinking. The driver survived but my friend wasn't so lucky. It is simple: if a few Airmen take turns giving a few short hours every now and again, then everyone can make it home safe."

This year was the first year Airmen received coins in recognition for their accomplishments. They were awarded DAADD coins and congratulated by the command chief.

"Usually, we just send an email to the top people and that's it," said Senior Airman Sonya Meaders, vice-president of DAADD with the 436th Comptroller Squadron. "But, this year we wanted to really recognize them and say thank you."


Four common misconceptions about the DAADD program:
1. I need a pass from my first sergeant to utilize DAADD.
FALSE. DAADD is a free and anonymous organization. There are no permissions needed to use the service.

2. When I call DAADD, a volunteer will take my car home for me.
FALSE. For liability reasons, no member of DAADD will drive your car home for you.

3. DAADD volunteers will take me to another party.
FALSE. DAADD volunteers will only take you home.

4. DAADD should be my plan every weekend I am drinking.
FALSE. Although DAADD's purpose is to ensure Airmen have a safe ride home, they are not intended to be your only plan. DAADD is designed as a backup in case your original plan falls through. Additionally, although DAADD is operational every weekend, circumstances occasionally arise where they are unavailable to provide support, i.e. weather, technical issues, so it is imperative that you have a plan before you leave home.

For more information on how to get involved, email your group point of contact.
To utilize DAADD, call (308) 677-6000 on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.