By Brig. Gen. Rowayne Schatz
314th Airlift Wing commander
Do not drink and drive! The message is simple. We heard it as teens in driver’s education. We see the Mothers Against Drunk Driving ads in our favorite magazines and sandwiched between our music videos. More than 97 million viewers caught the message during this year’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLII. It’s five simple words: do not drink and drive.
In October, during Wingman Day activities, combat airlifters signed a contract vowing to use alcohol responsibly and to not drive if they were intoxicated. Commanders brief the importance of having a plan at calls and functions every month. Yet somehow, that message isn’t getting through to some.
In the first two weeks of February alone, we’ve unfortunately had approximately five people apprehended for driving while under the influence.
We’re realists – we know people are going to drink alcohol; it’s legal over age 21 in the United States, obviously. Along with the MADD ads on Super Bowl Sunday, ads also exalted the virtues of barley and hops. However, even those ads ended with the tag line begging you to “indulge responsibly.”
The message is clear, folks: you’re free to drink ... but obligated to consume responsibly!
Every person who has been a member of the Air Force family for more than a month has heard the “war cry” to “have a plan …” You’ve heard “have a backup plan when your plan fails.” Those plans seem to be failing now, and we will no longer tolerate it. One DWI arrest is one too many.
We have set positive reinforcements across The Rock – no DWIs for 60 days equals time off. The past two down days were offered in conjunction with a holiday, equating to four days off. With the current trend, it seems we’re making negative headway.
The few can spoil it for the many, so watch out for your wingman. Encourage each other to do the right thing and to watch out for others on the road whose lives may be impacted by a drunk driver as well. Don’t become a statistic.
This message should be crystal clear – we will not tolerate impaired driving from anyone ... at any time. Punishment will be swift and harsh for violators.
There are too many alternatives to driving while intoxicated. Every person has a recall roster and an infinite number of people they can call if they’re in a bind.
Do not be afraid to contact someone in your chain of command if your plan fails; they will be happy to help you. Airmen Against Drunk Driving has proven time and again to be a free, zero retribution means to arriving home safely. AADD can be reached at 987-AADD.
The Jacksonville/Cabot/North Little Rock area alone has at least 11 cab companies in a 20-mile radius that operate 24/7.
The Conway area has another six. Every bar has a bartender willing to call for that ride home. Every pay phone has a phonebook attached to it. Every cellular user has access to 4-1-1 information services. It’s easy to make the right choice. We demand it, and so does your country! We ask that you join us in ensuring that your wingman always has a plan.
Check yourself, check your friends and check your troops. Driving while under the influence is a means to an end – the end of your career or the end of your life...or someone else’s life.
Those risks aren’t ones that any person should be willing to take.
Good judgment and safety should always be at the forefront of your minds. We can’t do the mission without each one of you here.
We need you to make the smartest, safest decisions for your life, other’s lives, and our country’s freedoms ... and lives of those around the world. Take care of one another and keep each other alive! Combat airlift!
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