Get home safe, use AADD

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Devante Williams
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Making the choice to drink and drive not only affects the drinker but could affect family and friends as well. Driving under the influence can result in loss of pay, reduction in rank and in some cases discharge from the military. To prevent DUIs and save lives, Luke Air Force Base has a program available to get Airmen home safe.

"AADD stands for Airman Against Drunk Driving," said Staff Sgt. Darlene Seltmann, 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs NCO in charge of scheduling and AADD base representative. "The program is designed to help eliminate DUIs and DWIs by providing a method of transportation for Airmen under the influence."

AADD provides support from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and also provides services to major events ranging from spouses dining-ins, holiday parties, to annual awards banquets, when requested.

"Anyone with a working vehicle, a valid driver's license, current insurance, working cell phone and the willingness to help others is more than welcome to volunteer," Seltmann said. "We send emails to active-duty Airmen and civilians who work at Luke requesting volunteers. We do get a wide range of volunteers from officers to enlisted Airmen and also civilians."

The AADD system is useful and private.

"What most people don't realize is the program is confidential and anonymous," Seltmann said. "We don't ask for the last name or squadron of the individual."

The AADD program is always looking for additional volunteers.

"Everyone should volunteer for AADD," said Staff Sgt. Dominique Barham, 56th Communications Squadron client systems technician. "You're saving a wingman's life and career, and it gives Airmen options so they won't make a bad decision."

To contact an AADD volunteer, call 623-856-2233. For those who'd like to use off-base services around the local area, there are many options available. BeMyDD is a service that will drive an individual and his car home for him. To make a reservation, call 877-823-6933.