Do you know this Airman? Published April 18, 2008 By Col. Eric Wydra 436th Airlift Wing DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Do you know this Airman? He was a good student and a natural leader in high school. After graduation he had a strong desire to enrich his life, make himself a better person, and decided an enlistment in the Air Force was the right direction to make that happen. He joined for any number of reasons: maybe it was to make the Air Force a career; maybe it was to learn a skill and then apply that skill in the civilian world; maybe it was to advance his education. All are strong considerations. However, the fundamental reason this Airman raised his right hand and took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States was a strong desire to heed the call to duty and serve his country ... something that set him apart from his peers. At basic training, this Airman excelled! His military training instructors saw tons of potential and challenged him to see what he was made of - he met every challenge. His fellow Airmen looked to him as a natural leader and someone they wanted to emulate. He displayed tenacity, discipline, intelligence and a strong-work ethic. After basic, he continued to excel at tech school. His instructors were impressed by his aggressive desire to learn as much as he could. He studied hard and applied himself completely on every task. He also helped his fellow students in their studies, earning their respect and gratitude. As a result he graduated near the top of the class and his instructors thought he was destined for a bright future and rapid 5-level upgrade. After arriving at Dover, this Airman hit the ground running. He immersed himself in his new job and he worked extra hours constantly seeking ways to increase his knowledge to make himself a better Airman and technician. He was active in squadron and base activities, and consistently volunteered his free time to help others. His leadership recognized his promise and potential ... there was discussion of a below-the-zone promotion - he was that good! Sounds like a promising career? It was, until one bad decision led to its derailment. This Airman decided to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. Instead of BTZ, he'll be lucky to get promoted on time. If he decides to separate, he will have to explain why he drove under the influence to his potential civilian employer. If his aspirations were to make the Air Force a career, he will have a long and difficult road to travel before that can happen. Unfortunately, I know this Airman all too well. Of all the DUI cases that pass through the wing command section, the vast majority are this Airman. Each of these Airmen are otherwise outstanding individuals who are now paying, and will continue to pay, for a bad decision. In one case, an Airman paid the ultimate price for his mistake - he paid with his life. I am often asked why we are so tough on folks who decide to drive while intoxicated. A state trooper friend of mine put it this way: he equated an intoxicated driver to a person with a rifle shooting bullets into a crowded road ... it's that dangerous! When you make that decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, you not only endanger yourself, but all those who share the road with you. The Air Force and wing leadership has provided each of you with the educational tools on the dangers of alcohol and driving - no one can plead ignorance in this day and age. We also have expended resources and developed programs designed to help you get out of a bad situation ... when your plan goes awry. Everyone, from Dover Airmen Against Drunk Driving to your supervisor, including the wing commander, is always available to ensure you don't get behind the wheel drunk. However, with all the education and all the tools, the ultimate responsibility still resides with you. Don't be "this Airman" - you've worked too long and too hard for this to happen to you.