AADD saves

  • Published
  • By Courtesy of AADD
AADD saves - not just one at a time, but countless lives on unnumbered nights.

Armed forces Against Drunk Driving started in the KMC in 2003, and is a successful program that potentially saved more than 1,600 lives in 2007 and more than 10,500 lives in total.

AADD's goal is to prevent accidents, and even deaths, caused by driving under the influence. It has proved to be an important asset for family members, friends and military members. The program's success is based on support from the KMC joint forces: Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Department of Defense civilians who devote their free time and fuel Friday and Saturday nights to run the program.

AADD is not intended as a first-resort plan. Servicemembers are encouraged to establish a game plan before heading out for the night, such as appointing a designated driver, bringing emergency cash for a cab, or calling a sober friend for a ride. If all else fails, call AADD.

When an individual calls AADD they are asked for their first name, whether they drive a standard or automatic, and for a possible contact number in case the AADD driver needs to reach them. AADD sends out a team of two; the first volunteer drives the caller's vehicle, accompanied by the caller. The second volunteer follows the first car in for a smooth arrival at the caller's destination, as well as to take the fellow volunteer back to the call center.

Friday and Saturday nights are busy, but when there are no calls, AADD provides entertainment for the volunteers. The facility has movies, games and a wireless Internet connection available. AADD is located on Kapaun on the second floor of Bldg. 2783, near vehicle registration and is open 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Anyone can volunteer and volunteers are not required to pull full shifts.

For more information or to volunteer, ask your squadron AADD representative. If you do not have a representative, e-mail kmc.aadd@ramstein.af.mil.