Altus AFB reaches DUI-free milestone Published Sept. 11, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Levin Boland 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Altus AFB reached 161 days without a member being reported for driving under the influence, a new all-time record set Aug. 30. The last record was set more than six years ago, March 17, 2007, when Altus AFB reached 160 days of being DUI-free. Members of Altus AFB are changing the culture and setting a new standard: zero DUIs. "To remain DUI-free we must make this the standard," said Lt. Col. Michael Peeler, 97th Air Mobility Wing chief of safety. "This is what the expectation is. The expectation is not to make it to a number of days. The expectation is that we are always DUI free and this becomes the norm." This culture shift takes the focus away from counting days, to the expectation of having a plan. Commander and supervisor involvement, education, and living the wingman concept have helped the wing reach this milestone. "As the chief of safety, I am pleased that our campaign plan has been working; however, as an Airman I don't want to feel anything because I want this to be the new norm," Colonel Peeler said. Altus AFB established an Airmen Against Drunk Driving program in 2002, allowing volunteers to provide rides home for those whose plans fall through. The Wing also initiated an information campaign plan which includes quarterly educational themes and an overarching "Airmen helping Airmen" concept. The plan provides continuous alcohol awareness communication throughout the year, and allows Airmen to tell their own success stories to help fellow service members. "I don't see this new record as an accomplishment for the base necessarily, but rather a positive milestone showing how Altus Airmen are taking care of one another," said Col. Bill Spangenthal, 97th AMW commander. "With our priorities of Mission, Airmen and Family in mind, we can keep each other on the right track and focus on a new norm, zero DUIs."