Volunteering with AADD could save lives Published May 28, 2015 By Senior Airman Kristin Kurtz 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- For many people the thought to find a sober ride home doesn't come to mind until the flashing red and blue lights of a police cruiser are directly behind them. Suddenly the joyous buzz they once had disappears and there is a stern realization that there has been a very grave mistake made. It's a decision that can ruin an Airman's career or in severe circumstances, cost someone their life. However, it is a situation that could have been easily avoided had the Airman used the resources available to them. At almost every safety briefing the topic of drinking and driving is discussed. Commanders continuously remind their Airmen to make the right decision to not drink and drive by referring them to alternative ways to get home if they do decide to drink. One of those alternative ways home is Airmen Against Drunk Driving. The purpose of the program is to provide safe, reliable rides to Airmen of all ranks, dependents, Department of Defense employees and contractors, said Staff Sgt. Matthew Amerson, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels information manager and program manager for AADD. "We want to promote responsible drinking and decision making,"Amerson said. "This is a completely free program." It's a program that is making a difference. Amerson said in 2013 AADD had 883 volunteers who made 988 saves with the base reporting 35 Driving Under the Influence arrests. The following year showed fewer overall numbers with 813 volunteers making 846 saves, but had a lower total of DUIs at 20. Currently for the year of 2015, there have been 257 volunteers who have made 275 saves thus far with only seven DUIs for the year. "Ultimately, we would rather make that sacrifice of losing a little sleep at night in order to take care of our fellow Airmen and make sure they don't put themselves or anyone else at risk," said Senior Airman Maria Settanni, 570th Global Mobility Squadron unit training manager and frequent AADD volunteer. AADD is available anytime between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., Friday, Saturday and holidays. They are also available on Air Mobility Command family days and during award banquets held on base. Airmen who volunteer for AADD can choose from three positons: charge of quarters, primary sit-in driver or stand-by driver. Airmen helping Airmen is what AADD is all about said Settanni. Questions, comments or concerns can be emailed to travis.aadd@us.af.mil. To sign up as a volunteer visit https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/4ylkl1cq/. Planning ahead is always encouraged; however, sometimes plans fall through. When they do call 707-424-2233 and AADD will be glad to help. "A simple phone call is all it takes to potentially save your life and those around you, as well as your career, said Col. Joel Jackson, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. "Make the smart choice and make the call."