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AADD chalks up more than 1,100 saves so far in 2012
Posted 9/7/2012 Updated 9/7/2012
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by Karen Abeyasekere
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
9/7/2012 - RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Just nine months into the year, Airmen Against Drunk Driving has already amassed 1,147 "saves".
"Last year we finished with around 1,500 saves, so we're well on track to beat that," said Senior Airman David Ballard, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron and AADD president.
All AADD drivers are volunteers, as are the riders and dispatchers. Anyone can volunteer their time to help; a minimum of four drivers, four riders who go out alongside the drivers, and one dispatcher are needed each shift. The shifts run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
"We also cover Sundays if the Monday is a down day or holiday," Ballard said, adding that there is no repercussion for using the service, and it's completely confidential.
Although the AADD drivers will do their utmost to pick up all those who call for their services, it should be remembered that AADD should only be used as a last resort, and not a free taxi ride, Ballard said. Other options such as calling a taxi, a friend or first sergeant should be tried first.
there is a limit to the distance AADD drivers will travel; for example, they are unable to travel more than 30 minutes to pick somebody up, and won't travel to areas such as Cambridge, Norwich or Ipswich, because it is just not feasible to do so, the AADD president said.
Almost 850 people have volunteered their time so far this year to act as drivers, riders or dispatchers:
· Airmen, 556
· NCO, 243
· SNCO, 25
· CGO, 12
· Civilians (non-Department of Defense), 11
· DOD, 2
Dispatchers answer phones, record the number of people to be picked up and the location of pick up and drop off. Drivers always go out with a buddy for safety purposes.
"I encourage people to use AADD," Ballard said. "It saves them from getting a (driving under the influence) and helps them keep their career. Although we aren't a free taxi service, we are there for people when their plan has failed."
Anyone wanting to volunteer but may not be able to drive can still participate in the role as either dispatcher or rider.
To call AADD for a ride home, call 0800 3280178 or 07979 748538, or to volunteer call Ballard at 238-5760 or e-mail david.ballard@mildenhall.af.mil.
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