Monkeys behind the wheel

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Two gorillas and a banana were spotted distributing flyers Aug. 8, and later that night they drove more than 70 service members home. 

These gorillas, Airmen from the 35th Maintenance Squadron, are a welcome sight to service members who leave the base to partake in activities that involve the consumption of alcohol. 

Staff Sgt. John Rorie, 35th MXS aircrew egress craftsman, devised monkeys against drunk driving to help service members and their dependants return home safely without getting behind the wheel of a car. 

"We wanted to perform a service for the community and have a little fun doing it," said Staff Sgt. John Rorie, 35th MXS aircrew egress craftsman. "Being dressed as two gorillas and a banana caught everyone's attention, which made it easier passing out the fliers at all the hot spots where service members and dependants gather." 

This was not a spur of the moment idea, said Sergeant Rorie. After hearing the wing commander's televised commander's call, members of the maintenance squadron's accessories flight started brainstorming ways to offer a free taxi service to service members at Misawa. 

"Sergeant Rorie came up with this idea of using gorilla suits," said Master Sgt. Steven Tuggle, 35th MXS accessories flight chief. "I really appreciate the fact that they wanted to put a humorous spin on this. Instead of being somber with the message, this brings more attention to what we are trying to do, which is prevent alcohol related incidents." 

MADD is a plan that is not just focused toward helping Airmen --  it is there for whoever needs it, added Sergeant Rorie. 

"As the gorillas were out, they would offer this service not just to Airmen, but to all service members and dependants," Sergeant Tuggle said. "So, anyone here at Misawa can take advantage of this service and use it as a plan to return home safely." 

Regardless of where an individual or group is, whether off or on base, MADD drove them home. The costumed team even took service members home that lived in the city. 

"Everyone we picked up loved it," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Dlugiewicz, 35th MXS accessories flight training monitor. "Our passengers also asked if it was going to be doing this every weekend." 

The goal is to offer this service every weekend, said Sergeant Rorie. But more volunteers are needed. 

If you are interested in volunteering for MADD, e-mail john.rorie@misawa.af.mil.