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No excuse for DUIs: AFADD is a phone call away

  • Published
  • By Monte Miller
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  In a recent message to all Team Scott personnel, 375th Airlift Wing commander Col. Gary Goldstone expressed his concern regarding the number of preventable incidents that occurred in 2008 and already in 2009. 

Just 50 days into 2009, the 375th Security Forces Squadron has already made three alcohol-related arrests. Two for DUI and one for driving while impaired. 

"Our installation has experienced too many DUIs and other alcohol related incidents during the past few months and that alarms me," Colonel Goldstone said. "I wish to urge every Airman, every wingman, every supervisor, along with our proud sister services, and every commander to double your efforts in educating and working to prevent any further alcohol related incidents." 

In 2008, 24 alcohol-related incidents were reported to security forces. This reflects a decrease of 1.4 percent in the number of reported incidents compared to 2007. 

The incidents break down to 19 driving under the influence, nine under-aged consumption, one contributing person, three drunk on duty, five public drunkenness and one driving impaired. 

Of the DUI incidents reported for 2008, 13 were active duty and six were civilian personnel. Twelve of the DUIs reported involved members of the 375th Airlift Wing. 

Of the military members, nine of the DUIs occurred off the installation in the neighboring communities of Belleville, Fairview Heights, O'Fallon, Edwardsville, Collinsville and Shiloh. Two of the incidents also involved under-aged offenders. 

"Being a member of the United States Armed Services requires a certain level of behavior," Colonel Goldstone said. "While it's understandable that people make mistakes, there really can be no excuse for DUIs." 

In addition to DUI's other alcohol related incidents included driving while impaired, contributing the delinquency of a person under the age to consume or possess alcohol, being drunk on duty, drunk and disorderly conduct, drunkenness (public intoxication), liquor law violations and open container violations. 

During 2008, there were two driving while impaired, two drunk on duty violations and one "contributing to" violation. 

The DUI trending analysis shows that junior non-commissioned Officers saw the most violations with seven incidents. 

This is alarming due to the fact these are first line supervisors. As a result, junior enlisted follows closely with six incidents. senior NCO's had no reportable incidents and officers had one reported incident in 2008. 

"Don't fall into the trap of thinking that because a DUI didn't end in a loss of life that it hasn't affected us as well," Colonel Goldstone said. "Most times offenders are removed from their primary duties, or they are tied up in legal matters, or they may not even be able to get around to function in their jobs. That affects the entire team. 

"There are many options for our collective team: call a cab, call a supervisor, call a Wingman, call someone from Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving or stay where you're at ... anything but get behind a wheel and take an unnecessary risk."

AFADD 

A dedicated group of military members of all ranks, dependents and civilians are on call 24/7 to help keep their fellow Team Scott members safe. 

Although the year is young, Scott AFADD already has 12 'saves' in 2009. 

In 2007, a much smaller Scott AFADD group had 85 instances where they were called to give rides home or 'saves' as they call them. 

If an Airman is in need of their service, they simply need to call 256-HOME. At that time, a two-person team consisting of one male and one female, will travel up to 25 miles to pick up the person or persons in need of the safe ride home. 

If you have any questions or for more information on the Scott AFADD visit their web-site at www.scottafb-afadd.com. 

(DUI statistics for Scott AFB are compiled from the Security Forces Management Information System. Only reported incidents were used in the compilation of this report.)