Drink, drive - pay the consequences

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wiseeman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Even after all the tales of tragedy and loss where people are killed by drunk drivers, people still drive under the influence.

In the military and on Dyess Air Force Base, the consequences for driving under the influence are severe and have lasting effects that could follow an offender to the end of his or her career.

"There is a new rule for receiving a DUI on base that includes a special court-martial, a bad conduct discharge and a felony conviction that will follow you for the rest of your life and a possibility of six months in jail," said Staff Sgt. Andrea Dodd, area defense counsel.

"It used to be an Article 15, one or two stripes taken, losing the ability to drive on base, having to appear in full service dress in front of that person's chain of command, including their commander, receiving the start of an unfavorable information file, being placed onto a control roster, losing the ability to test for promotion, or the ability to be promoted - even if they've already received a line number," Dodd added.

One Airman speaks out about his story in the hope the lesson he learned will put other young Airmen off making the same mistake he did.

"I wasn't paying attention coming over a hill while driving under the influence," said Senior Airman David Caron, 7th Munitions Squadron. "Traffic was backed up and I hit two other cars, thankfully not injuring the passengers."

The affects of the DUI on this Airman were of great costs to not only his checkbook, but to his fellow Airmen as well.

"I had a $700 fine, 12-months probation, seven months with an interlock breathalyzer in my vehicle and I lost my driving privileges on base for a year," Caron said. "In addition, I had to take a week-long DUI class, eight-hour Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Treatment class, 48 hours of community service, an overnight stay in the county jail and I had to pay $1,000 annually for three years to keep my state drivers license."

Drinking and driving is completely unnecessary when other resources are available, Dodd said. If plan "A" fails call a supervisor, first sergeant, or another friend who is sober. Dyess also has the Dyess Against Drunk Driving program available on the weekends if all other options are not available. Ultimately it's up to you the Airman to be responsible, so they are not put in that situation.

"I wish I had made that call," Caron said. "They will be much happier you called instead of you having to stand in front of your commander asking 'why you didn't call someone.'"