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

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  "Where is your Wingman?" is a commonly asked question when Airmen go out to enjoy the night life. For those who do not know the answer is only a phone call away.

Those who answer the call is not from one person, but several Wingmen who dutifully volunteer for the Altus Airmen Against Drunk Driving program, and in doing so saved 994 people from potential alcohol related incidents in 2007.

"We really look out for our Wingmen on this installation and the volunteers that have stepped forward are the main source of those who look out for the Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Pete Rollins, Altus AADD program director.

Sergeant Rollins said that other Airmen have mentioned there are a few things that make the Altus AADD program different from other installations' AADD program.

"The things that make 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, would volunteer to keep their fellow Airmen out of harms way.

Sergeant Rollins said Altus AADD's recipe for success is largely due to it's ample volunteers and to the fact they were also given their own vehicle, which was provided by the Altus Armed Services YMCA.

As a result business was great, which led to 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," he said. "AADD will continue to strive in assisting in the elimination of DUIs."

The life saving serve 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 their service.

"Another wonderful thing is that 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 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 will vary on holiday. 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.