Saving lives, one ride at a time

Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving has saved more than 1,600 lives in 2007 alone and more than 10,500 lives since the program came to the KMC in 2003.

The goal of AADD is to prevent accidents and deaths caused by driving under the influence. The program has proved to be an important asset to saving the lives of our families, friends, civilians and military members.

AADD’s success could not be accomplished without the support from the KMC Joint Forces. Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Department of Defense civilians devote their free time and fuel currency every Friday and Saturday night.

Even though AADD is now being promoted by squadrons, supervisors and first sergeants, we would like to remind everyone that it is not intended as a first resort. It’s always a good idea to establish a game plan before heading out for the night.

Here are some recommendations:
• appoint a designated driver
• hide some emergency cash in your pocket for a cab
• call a sober friend for a ride.

If all else fails, call AADD.

When an individual calls AADD, we ask them for their first name, whether they drive a standard or automatic and for a contact number in case we need to reach them. AADD will send out a team of two. The first volunteer will drive the caller’s vehicle, accompanied by the caller. The second volunteer will follow the first car to ensure a smooth arrival at the caller’s destination as well as taking the fellow volunteer back to the office.

Without the continued support of volunteers, AADD will not survive. We are asking for your help on Friday and Saturday nights.

AADD offers their driving service from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday and 11 p.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday. Volunteers are not required to work the full six-hour shifts. When volunteers are not out on a call, there are movies, games and wireless internet connection available.

The office is located on the second floor of Bldg. 2783 on Kapaun, past the vehicle registration building.

Anyone can volunteer.

For more information or to volunteer, talk to your squadron point of contact or e-mail
kmc.add@ramstein.af.mil.
(Courtesy of Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving)