JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Ever find yourself out on the town, find out that the designated driver is more of a designated drunk and you're out of money? How do you get home?
Joint Base Andrews has the answer, the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program is designed just for that.
"This program is set up for the protection of our wingmen and for the prevention of accidents, alcohol related arrests, and damages to Airmen's careers," said Senior Airman Suzanne M. Knocke, AADD chairperson.
"If an Airman receives a DUI or DWI, and is punished by a civilian court, the individual can still receive punishment by military authorities. The type of punishment depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident," said Capt. Jason Harley, 316th Wing legal office, chief of military justice. Letters of Reprimand, Article 15, and courts-martial, are all possible disciplinary actions that the military can impose on the member for DUI and DWI."
"Generally, if the infraction took place off base, and was punished by civilian authorities, a LOR is the appropriate punishment. If the infraction took place on base or wasn't punished by civilian authorities the member generally receives nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice," Captain Harley said.
The AADD program is operated by military volunteers who can call 301-981-2316 to sign up.
"There are two shifts every Friday, Saturday, federal holidays and family days from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 4 a.m. Each shift has two dispatchers and minimum of six drivers," Airman Knocke said.
"Since the program covers Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas, the drivers provide us with their city of residence. When a call is placed to the dispatching office at 240-857-RIDE, the dispatcher collects the caller's first name, number, how many people are in the party, location and sends the driver closest to the caller's location."
Guidelines are set in place to keep the drivers safe.
"The driver will call the dispatching office when they pick the caller up, drop the caller off, and when they themselves arrive home," Airman Knocke said.Team Andrews has had more DUIs than saves so far this year.
"There are no repercussions to people using AADD. All military personnel, Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines and Coast Guard, may call for a ride. This is a system based on no rank or last name. We would rather someone call for a free ride, then attempt to drink and drive," Airman Knocke said.