Air Force urges tobacco users to quit

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Delgado
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  There is an old adage that nobody likes a quitter. There are exceptions to this saying, especially when it comes to smoking. 

In 1964, the surgeon general's report on the health dangers of smoking was released. Since that time, there have been numerous campaigns to get people to stop smoking. 

The prevalence of tobacco use among active-duty personnel is a concern because of its adverse health effects and its association with decreased physical fitness, increased alcohol use, and an increased likelihood of attrition from military service, according to Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley. 

"We are in a time of war and cannot afford to compromise mission accomplishment by using tobacco -- smoke or smokeless," said Chief McKinley. "Tobacco decreases night vision, mental acuity, ability to deal with stress, lung capacity, wound healing and stamina." 

To encourage Airmen to "kick the nicotine habit," the Air Force has designated November as the Air Force Quit Tobacco Month, he said. "This also coincides with the Great American Smokeout Nov. 20. These events seek to raise awareness on tobacco use and challenge individuals to give up tobacco, hoping their decision to quit will last forever." 

In keeping with the wingman culture, the health and wellness center will implement the "Adopt a Smoker" initiative to run throughout the month of November, according to Jude Awuba, HAWC, health educator. 

"Are you a past smoker who successfully beat the nicotine habit? Congratulations! Your success is worth sharing," he said. "Are you ready to share your success with a fellow Airman and make a difference in an Airman's life? Do you use tobacco and need support to quit? Maybe you have never used tobacco, but are you motivated to support someone you deeply care about to give up tobacco use?" 

If you belong in any of the categories mentioned, then you can adopt a smoker. 

Adopting a smoker means you are a shoulder for someone to cry on during the quiting process, Mr. Awuba said. 

Here is the simple three step process: 

Go to this link: http://community.acsevents.org/site/DocServer/Adopt_a_Smoker_Papers_2007.pdf?docID=14102 and download "The Smoker Adoption Papers." Printouts are also available at the HAWC, Bldg. 700, for pick up 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Adopt a smoker and make a pledge to support an Airman by signing the adoption papers. 

Return to the HAWC with the adoptee and the adoption paper and collect a prize. 

On Nov. 20 (Great American Smoke Out) the HAWC will be running a kiosk in the pharmacy lobby between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where sponsors can come in with the adoptee and the adoption paper and collect a prize. 

"A tobacco free force will improve quality of life and enhance mission effectiveness," said Rear Adm. Steven Galson, acting surgeon general. "We cannot compromise our ability to fly, fight and win for America." 

For more information, call Mr. Awuba at the HAWC at (623) 856-7531.