Program saves Airmen’s lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  An Airman goes out on the town and sometime during the night of drinking and socializing, he loses his wingman. He has been drinking, but still has enough sense not to get in his car and drive.

This hypothetical situation could happen any given weekend. However, the Airmen above has a Plan B. He calls Dover Airmen Against Drunk Driving, which continues to do what it has always done - save lives.

During the month of October, DAADD potentially saved the lives of 52 Airmen by picking them up and driving them home after a night on the town.

"It's an excellent program," said Airmen 1st Class Gregory Adams, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron inventory specialist and DAADD president. "It was put in place to protect all of our Airmen on Dover Air Force Base, by being there to pick them up if they go out drinking and don't have a ride, or if they lose their designated driver."

DAADD runs operations from 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. It is anonymous and free to use for all Airmen. There is no reprisal for using the program. All they need for a ride is a phone number and military ID.

"DAADD will never tell your supervisor or chain of command if you use them," said Airmen Adams. "We are completely anonymous, and there are no disciplinary actions for using DAADD. Not only that, but our volunteer drivers make sure you make it home safely."

Of course, DAADD would not be the program it is today without its volunteers, he said.

"We have a phenomenal amount of volunteers," said Airman Adams. "We've actually had to restrict the number of volunteers we accept for a night, we've gotten so many applications."

Many squadrons offer incentives for DAADD volunteers once they reach a certain level of volunteer hours, according to Airman Adams. Each volunteer receives five volunteer hours for each night they work DAADD, up to 40 a month.

In order to volunteer for DAADD, a member must have a valid driver's license, and a registered and insured vehicle. All they have to do is contact their squadron point of contact who will give them a driver agreement form to sign.

"I think it is great people are willing to dedicate their time, car and cell phone to save the life of their wingmen," said Airman 1st Class Rhonda Russell, 436th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician and DAADD vice president. "I've been with DAADD for almost two years; not only is it rewarding for your career, but it is self-rewarding because you know you helped save lives."
DAADD meets at 1:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Building 520, in the second floor conference room. They are holding elections in January for their executive council.

"So far in 2010 we've saved 415 lives," said Airman Adams. "DAADD exists to keep our Airmen on Dover AFB safe if they chose to drink. We count each ride we give as a life saved, because that's what it is."