AADD saves when plans fall through

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  With the weekend comes many opportunities for Airmen to unwind and recharge. There are numerous outlets for those looking to have fun on and off base. With proper planning, any event or night out can be a blast.

But what happens when something goes off course and plans get derailed? For example, a group of Airmen drinking who find themselves with no ride home. Luckily, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has an answer.

AADD is a private organization run by volunteer Airmen. The service offers a safe alternative to drinking and driving, and can be found at many Air Force bases. AADD was formed to eliminate the number of driving under the influence (DUI) felonies committed by Airmen.

The program operates from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., Friday and Saturday nights, as well as during holidays and down-days. When a Department of Defense card holder calls the hotline, a dispatcher records the caller's first name, cell phone number, pickup and drop-off location and the number of people who need a ride.

"AADD provides a valuable resource for Airmen," said Airman 1st Class Samantha Overdear, 4th Contracting Squadron contract specialist, and AADD president. "Every successful pickup gives you a sense of relief, knowing that you prevented a DUI and potentially saved lives."

AADD has a 100 percent confidentiality policy which erases a fear Airmen have of repercussions from their leadership.

"It's important that Airmen know about the 100 percent confidentiality policy," said Airman 1st Class Emma McIntosh, 4th Fighter Wing broadcastjournalist, and AADD scheduler. "It gives them a piece of mind in knowing they can be comfortable in using our services. It states that we are never to speak of the individuals we pick up or anything else about them to anyone."

So far in 2013, AADD has provided safe rides to more than 450 personnel at Seymour Johnson AFB. Since last year, the installation's DUI incidents have decreased by 37.5 percent.

Overdear attributed the decrease in incidents to the volunteers who drive the Airmen home.

"I am not only thankful for our volunteers, but also for those that have utilized the service," Overdear said. "I thank them for protecting themselves and others by refusing to operate a vehicle (under the influence) and making the smarter decision by calling AADD."
AADD works closely with the Exceptional Airmen Gaining Leadership Experience and Skills (EAGLES) organization to provide volunteer opportunities and fundraisers to Airmen.

"AADD is an important resource that prevents actions that can be professionally or physically harming," said Airman 1st Class Sheng Morris, 4th CONS contract specialist and EAGLES president. "Working with AADD promotes a spirit of unity between the organizations. This collaboration also benefits EAGLES and AADD Airmen by developing their responsibility as role models and enhances the prestige of Airmen on base."

For more information about AADD, e-mail wingman.ride@seymourjohnson.af.mil. To request a ride, call (919) 722-5633, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., Friday or Saturday nights, holidays and down-days. Any interested volunteers can show up at the Airman's Center on during applicable operation hours to help out the cause.