CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, as this holiday season continues with all the parties and festive gatherings, we must be even more vigilant to avoid bad choices that can ruin our holiday fun.
This message is one you've heard many times before and although the risks are well-known, the decision to drink and drive remains a choice many people continue to make. We all deserve to have fun during the holidays, but driving after you've been drinking is not a smart way to go about it. The people in our Team Charleston community are too precious to risk such a great loss at any time during the year let alone during the holidays. So I ask each of you to make a conscious personal commitment to be smart this season -- if you plan to drink also plan on not driving.
However, if you find yourself in an unplanned situation where you've been drinking, Team Charleston's Airman Against Drunk Driving is a pretty good backup plan. AADD is a volunteer supported program that provides a safe and free ride home to Air Force members who have had too much to drink. This is a confidential service that is not reported to supervisors, first sergeants or commanders. Those who take advantage of the program clearly communicate an understanding of the importance of this issue and their responsibility to make smart choices. Rides are available every Friday and Saturday night, and on holidays from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. by calling 963-0437.
AADD is not designed to be used as the primary plan to get home after a night on the town. Designated drivers, emergency cash for a taxicab, or a sober friend one can call for a ride are good plans. These are just a few good choices that can make it easier to avoid trouble while enjoying the holidays with family and friends.
We have a diligent group of Airmen and NCOs on base who realize the value of AADD and go the extra mile to ensure the program's continued success. They have formed a committee to keep the program on track and available to those who need it. The committee is always looking for volunteers. If you want to volunteer, your first sergeant can point you in the right direction.
Congratulations to the graduates of Airman Leadership School Class 2008-A. Special congratulations to the award winners; the distinguished graduates are, from the 17th Airlift Squadron, Senior Airman Spencer Stacey, from the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Senior Airman Timothy Barnhill, and from the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Senior Airman Kelly Koshinski. The leadership award winner is from the 437th Security Forces Squadron, Senior Airman Meghan Donahue. The academic achievement award winner was from the 437th Communications Squadron, Senior Airman Lisa Miller. The winner of the evening's top honor, the John Levitow Award, is from the 17th AS, Senior Airman James Davis.
The reward of the challenges they met and the victories they won as a class will remain with the students for many years to come. They have worked hard and are now prepared to assume their new role as supervisors and leaders in their respective units. We are extremely proud of them all and wish them continued success in their careers.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!