One call saves lives

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Cammie Quinn
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Every Friday and Saturday night, Misawa Airmen volunteer their time to ensure Airmen who have been drinking make it home safely from bars, restaurants and parties.

Airmen Against Drunk Driving is an all-volunteer organization that provides free, safe and anonymous rides home to all military personnel, their family members and Department of Defense civilians.

"(A2D2) provides options to anyone on base who finds himself in a bind after drinking," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Strom, 35th Force Support Squadron, and A2D2 president. "It is operated completely by volunteers who are concerned with keeping the Misawa community a safe place to live."

Program volunteers are available to provide a ride when needed, and can be reached by dialing 226-2232. The program is activated Friday and Saturday nights, 10 p.m. through 5 a.m.

All it takes is a call.

Drivers will pick up passengers at the Misawa Air Base front gate, Mokuteki Café, Enlisted Club entrance or the North Area shoppette and take them home, on base or anywhere in Misawa City, the sergeant said.

"A call comes in, a dispatcher records where the patron is, how many people need a ride, and where (the passengers) are going. A driver and wingman then head out to get them," he added.

Sergeant Strom has been involved with A2D2 for more than five years and said the program provides everyone on base protection from drunk drivers.

"Every ride we give is potentially saving someone's career, and more importantly, someone's life," he said. "There are many wonderful people on base and each one deserves to be safe."

In 2010, more than 230 saves were made for Misawa Airmen who made the call.

For service members, DUIs and DWIs can result in loss of rank, mandatory attendance of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment classes, and a loss in driving privileges on Misawa.

A2D2 is about saving lives and changing behavior. A2D2 gives Airmen an opportunity to make the decision to get home without having to run the risk of driving while intoxicated.

"We do not record anyone's name or personal information and there are absolutely no repercussions for calling," said Sergeant Strom.

The program should be used as a last resort when the original plans fall through. AADD is not designed as a primary plan of attack and prior to drinking, plans should be established to designate a driver who will not be drinking and money set aside for a taxi ride home.

"I encourage everyone to have fun but be responsible," said the A2D2 president. "Have a plan before consuming any alcohol and definitely call A2D2 before driving drunk."