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AADD changes to 24/7 operation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The availability of Airmen against drunk driving has changed from Thursday through Sunday to 24-hours-a-day, everyday. 

“We changed the operations because of recent incidents where Airmen did not have the option to call AADD during the week,” said Senior Airman Susanne Smith, AADD president. 

“AADD used to have one dispatcher and 12 drivers for the weekend,” she said. Now, we have two dispatchers and 18 drivers for the entire week. This new change is increasing the number of volunteers per week. 

“Also, the operations used to be entirely upon individual volunteers,” Airman Smith said. “Now, AADD is hoping to get organizations and squadrons to fill the volunteer spots for the week. We are alternating weeks between different squadrons. The 56 club is filling the AADD volunteer spots now, but Monday the 9th Air Force will take over.” 

“If a squadron volunteers but it is relatively small, we may even combine two squadrons together to take over operations of AADD,” said 20th Fighter Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Gary Rutledge. “We just want to make it a good, viable program that is available to help anytime. In order to do that, we need volunteers.” 

Volunteers are basically either a dispatcher or a driver, Airman Smith said. All the volunteers have to do is stay in the local area and stay sober. As long as they are only a phone call away, they can do what ever they want. 

How AADD gives safe rides home is a fairly simple process.

 “A dispatcher gets a call from an individual who needs a ride,” said Airman Smith. “The dispatcher will get the person’s information (such as his name and where he is located.) After that, the dispatcher will call one of the AADD drivers and give them the information. The driver will pick up the (individuals) and take them home. 

“Even though we changed operations, individuals can still help,” she said. “Anyone can volunteer and of all ranks. We had (Col. Charles Corpman, 20th Fighter Wing inspector general) volunteer last week.” 

“My wife, Peggy, and I went out and picked up a couple of Airmen last week,” Col. Corpman said. “They were very happy and courteous. Once we dropped them off at the dorms they thanked us multiple times. They were great passengers. 

“I think this is a fantastic program and I will definitely volunteer again,” he said. “I would much rather wake up in the middle of the night to pick up an Airman rather than seeing him stand before the commander, or worse, seeing him end up dead.” 

“AADD is always available to help an Airman in need of a safe ride home, but have a plan,” Chief Rutledge said. “Don’t go out for the evening with the plan of calling AADD for a ride home. If your plan falls apart, then call AADD. And if you’ve used AADD to get home safe, maybe you can return the favor and help them by volunteering.” 

“Do not go out drinking with the thought of AADD being the (designated driver),” Airman Smith said. “If your designated driver disappears or you are put in a situation you didn’t plan on, then give us a call and we will come get you.”