DADD program continues to save lives

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cierra Presentado
  • Senior Airman Cierra Presentado
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Dyess Against Drunk Driving program reached a significant milestone over the Memorial Day weekend, surpassing the one year mark since the program's inception.

DADD is a program that Airmen can call for a safe ride home when a change in plans leaves them without a designated driver. This past weekend, DADD escorted 14 individuals home safely.

"During the holidays, people tend to have more `fun' than usual," said Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins, DADD co-chairman. "We provided volunteers for an extra day during the four-day weekend to ensure we could save as many lives as possible."

So far this year, DADD has provided 183 Dyess Airmen a safe ride home, preventing DWI's and potential deaths.

"We try to get the word out as much as possible," said Senior Airman Mikel Fair, DADD co-chairman. "If your plan fails and you have no other options, please call DADD, our volunteers are there for you."

Although the DADD program has been a big success among Dyess Airmen in the past year, the program's committee has ideas to make it even better.

"We have a few plans we'd like to incorporate with the program, such as putting up a new sign at the front gate," said Master Sgt. David Roux, DADD's senior noncommissioned officer mentor. "We're also looking into possibly putting signs on the volunteer's cars, so when they pick up an Airman, the vehicle is recognized as being part of the DADD program."

The DADD program encourages people to have a plan to get home safely, but in the event your plan fails, DADD wants you to call them instead of entrusting a DD who's been drinking with your wellbeing.

"Drinking and driving is dangerous," Hawkins said. "Don't put yourself into a position that will potentially hurt your career and possibly end your life. Make the smart decision, if your plan fails, pick up the phone and call DADD."

DADD can be contacted by calling (325) 696-DADD (3233) and is available 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, as well as any additional days directed by the 7th Bomb Wing commander.