Luke AADD program changes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Airmen Against Drunk Driving program at Luke Air Force Base ensures members who've had too much to drink have a safe ride home. But recent changes in the AADD program will hold those who are intoxicated and in need of a ride more accountable for their actions.

"We all have been issued wingman cards and are asked to carry them at all times," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Aucoin, 56th Dental Squadron dental assistant and AADD president. "When you go out and drink you should always have a plan, but we all know that plans sometimes change and things fall through."

In the past AADD sought volunteers to hang out in the dorms on Friday and Saturday nights while waiting for a call. Now it is the responsibility of each individual unit on base to find their own volunteers, Sergeant Aucoin said.

Those who find themselves in a situation where they have had too much to drink, are asked to call their unit wingman or supervisor for a ride. If for some reason the wingman or supervisor cannot be reached or give the Airmen a ride, the Airman can call (623) 856-AADD. One of eight council members manning the AADD phones (Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.) will then find you a ride home, Sergeant Aucoin said.

"The change was implemented because a handful of Airmen continuously volunteered for AADD and base leadership felt it was unfair to them," said Senior Airman Daniel Ramos, 56th Communications Squadron Network Integration and AADD volunteer.

Airman Ramos, who has volunteered off and on for more than three years in similar programs while stationed overseas, recommends volunteering for AADD as a great way to meet others and is social networking at its best.

"I've seen it where an entire unit or office would volunteer together so they could build esprit-de-corps, among other things," he said.

When asked if members have abused the program, Airman Ramos said that regardless of that, if they can keep one Airman alive then the program has been more than successful.

According to the 56th Fighter Wing Safety Office, there were more than 900 'saves' this year.

AADD is open to all Luke members who wish to volunteer. For more information, call Staff Sgt. Jennifer Aucoin, AADD president, at (623) 856-7535.