AADD: We’re there when your plan fails

Photo By Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes | Among major crimes, driving under the influence has one of the highest arrest rates with more than 1.4 million DUI arrests annually. Airmen Against Drunk Driving is an Air Force program designed to provide a ride home for Airmen whose plans have fallen through, and its volunteers keep the program alive. If ever in need of a ride home after plans have fallen through call 406-788-HOME (4633). (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes)  

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MT, UNITED STATES

03.09.2017

Story by Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes 

341st Missile Wing

Airmen Against Drunk Driving is an Air Force program designed to provide a ride home for Airmen whose plans have fallen through, and its volunteers keep the program alive.

“It is kind of like being a superhero with no powers,” said Airman 1st Class David Alley, 341st Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster and AADD volunteer. “Most people know who (AADD is) and most bars know our number and tell people to call us.”

The goal of the program is not only to decrease DUI incidents, but also help save lives. So far this year AADD volunteers have saved 30 lives.

“It makes me feel good every time I pick someone up,” Alley said. “I began volunteering with the program August 2016 because I wanted to make sure people were getting home safely.”

Alley said helping other Airmen get home safely is a good thing no matter what, and if he were in the same situation he would want someone to have his back.

This year’s security forces’ stats have shown incidents generally occur Fridays at Malmstrom.

According to Staff Sgt. John Heffington, 341st OSS weather craftsman and AADD president, when people decide to drink and drive, they may not fully understand the effects their decisions can have on those around them.

When making a save, Heffington said he occasionally thinks back to his brother’s friend who lost his life when his judgement was impaired while under the influence of alcohol.

“If any of the saves I’ve helped make over the years prevented even one person from losing their life then all the time I’ve volunteered is more than worth it,” Heffington said.

If ever in need of a ride home after plans have fallen through call 406-788-HOME (4633).

For those interested in volunteering with the AADD call 731-2710.

• Date Taken: 03.09.2017
• Date Posted: 03.09.2017 18:28
• Story ID: 226384
• Location: MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MT, US