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Defining 'Wingman': Community embraces AADD program, saves 994 people in 2007

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
"Where is your Wingman?" is a commonly asked question when Airmen go out to enjoy the night life. The answer to that question is only a phone call away, thanks to the volunteers for the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program here. 

The program saved 994 people from potential alcohol related incidents in 2007 at Altus. 

While many bases have a similar program, Staff Sgt. Pete Rollins, Altus AADD program director, said Altus' efforts seem to stand out from others. 

"One thing that makes us different here is the base community steps up and volunteers for AADD on a regular basis, Sergeant Rollins said. "There is rarely an occasion where I am unable to fill in a day."

On those days, Sergeant Rollins and his alternate program manager, Airman 1st Class Lauren Wohlford, usually volunteer to keep their fellow Airmen out of harm's way.

Sergeant Rollins said Altus AADD's recipe for success also includes the fact that the Altus Armed Services YMCA provided the organization with a dedicated vehicle to use.

Thanks in part to the efforts of AADD, Altus saw a reduction from 12 DUIs in 2006 to seven DUIs in 2007.

"It makes me proud to be an Airman in today's Air Force knowing that no matter what rank you are you can truly impact those around you," Sergeant Rollins said. 

The life-saving service is offered to more than just active-duty servicemembers.

"The wonderful thing about AADD is that it is here for the base community whether you're military, civilian or a dependent," Sergeant Rollins said. "If you are a [Department of Defense] card holder then you can access AADD and use the service.

"We will pick you up where you are at (in Altus) and drop you off at your place of residence for the night, and it will prevent you from drinking and driving, going home with someone who is drinking and driving, public intoxication and any other form of alcohol related incidences."

Sergeant Rollins also said the rides are completely confidential, and that the next time Airmen go off base without a plan they should remember one phone number: 481-RIDE.

Altus AADD's hours of operation are Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Hours vary on holidays. Service will be provided on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day from 9 p.m. to midnight.

To volunteer or for information on the Altus AADD program and alcohol related topics, visit the Altus AADD Community of Practice Web site at https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/ASPs/CoP/OpenCoP.asp?Filter=OO-SE-AE-19, or call 481- 6458/481-6698.