Plan to make this holiday season fun, safe

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  With Thanksgiving come and gone, and the holiday season in full swing, it is important to remember that even though this time of year is meant to be lighthearted and fun, safety and responsibility are paramount.

Each year approximately 16,000 people are killed in drunken driving incidents. These incidents sharply increase from October through March. Most of the incidents occur during Thanksgiving weekend. On average, about 400 people die over the Thanksgiving weekend due to drunken driving incidents.

"If people are going out to drink this season they should have a plan," said Staff Sgt. Rouven Sefcik, NCO in charge of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program with the 436th Medical Operations Squadron. "They need to follow through on it, and have a back-up plan as well."

The holiday season is also a time of high stress for some. What traditionally is a time of family togetherness and fun for some can be a period of grief and mourning for others. Often, alcohol becomes a mood neutralizer for both positive and negative emotions, and many overindulge. Many people go to parties or get togethers with the intent to just socialize and often lose track of their intake.

"It is important to know your limits," said Sefcik. "Some people do not feel impaired with a blood alcohol level of .08 but that is the legal limit. On base, a blood alcohol level of .06 is enough to get you a DUI, and if you are underage, any alcohol on the breath is an immediate DUI, regardless of the amount."

There are many resources available to those who have consumed too much alcohol over the holiday season. Designated drivers, taxis, Dover Airmen Against Drunk Driving, supervisors and first sergeants are all valid options to get home after a night of drinking.
"It is important to remember the wingman concept during this time of year," said Sefcik. "Sometimes people just need someone to talk to."

If such a need arises, and Airmen don't feel like asking a wingmen or first sergeant, the newly activated resiliency element at mental health flight is available to assist them.
Designed to help combat small stressors such as social isolation and financial stress, the resiliency element allows members up to four undocumented visits.

Alcohol is not the only big issue this holiday season. Even though this is the season for giving, one still has to keep their bank account in the black.

One good way to keep track of spending this holiday season is to make a list of everyone to buy presents for. Narrow this list down to those who are "must buy" and those who do not necessarily need gifts. Another good idea is to use only cash when buying holiday gifts, as it is often harder to part with paper money than it is to swipe a card.

Also keep in mind the non-gift expenses of the season. Travel, gift wrap, food and decorations can take a bite out of any budget, and it is important to plan accordingly.
Of course, presents do not always have to be bought from a store.

"Gifts can be as simple as writing a poem, knitting, making pottery or a card," said, Xan Salas, art director at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Arts and Crafts Center. "You can also combine gifts together into one family gift if a large number of people you are looking to get gifts for are related. Just make sure it can be appreciated by the whole family."

By planning ahead, people can save money in the long run. Start by keeping a detailed record of what was bought and how much is left in the budget.

After the holidays, start a savings fund and contribute to it all year long, then when it comes to buying gifts it will be less of a burden.

With these tips and a bit of planning, Team Dover can look forward to a safe and fun holiday season.