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Selfless Airmen save more than 141 lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dustin M. Mullen
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Every two hours, three people are killed in alcohol-related highway crashes, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Additionally according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, impaired driving resulted in more than 1.2 million arrests in 2012. One program on base is doing their part to ensure that Airmen on Tyndall are not part of those statistics.

"Airmen Against Drunk Driving is a completely volunteer-run organization that is here to make sure every Airman, regardless of rank or age, makes it home safely," said Senior Airman Anthony G. Shea, 325th Contracting Squadron contract specialist and AADD director. "In 2013, we have had 141 saves as of Nov. 13."

AADD is important to Tyndall because every social forum located off base is at least a 10 to 15 minute drive away or further, Shea said.

"With everything being so far away and requiring some sort of transportation, sometimes Airmen are left without a ride home or have become intoxicated and should not drive," he said. "We are there to be a dependable last resort so that every Airman makes it home safely and legally."

The organization has also provided on-site service at different events and functions around the base such as promotion parties and ceremonies, Shea said.

The holiday season means more parties, more drinking and more risk.

The program appoints one dispatcher every weekend, but there is no limit on the number of drivers. There have been a total of 403 volunteer drivers this year, said Shea.

Airman 1st Class Victoria E. Gabel, 337 Air Control Squadron pilot simulator, has put in more than 120 hours.

"AADD is a good opportunity to help out Team Tyndall by volunteering to keep our community safe," said Gabel. "It provides Airmen with the opportunity to show their responsibility levels in various aspects."

The program is activated on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. During holiday weekends or extended three-day weekends another night is added.

"I highly encourage Airmen of all ages and ranks to utilize the AADD program," Shea said. "AADD is completely anonymous; there should be no fear of any sort of repercussions regardless of your rank or age. We are here just to help you get home safely."

You can request AADD services by calling (850) 867-0220. To volunteer or for further information please email AADD at Tyndall.AADD@us.af.mil.