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Your Wingman just might save your life

  • Published
  • By Col. Brad Ashley
  • AMC director of communications and CIO
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The telephone rang and broke the silence of the early morning. I reached for it and realized it was 4:32 a.m.

As a squadron commander at the time, I received dozens of late night phone calls but this one was very very different. The caller calmly said, "Sir, this is the wing command post and we have a casualty notification."

I was instantly wide awake and unable to imagine a more distressing message.

By 5 a.m. the casualty notification team was formed and the preliminary facts began to filter in -- an Air Force member had tragically lost her life in an auto accident and alcohol was a contributing factor.

By 5:30 a.m. I left the base to deliver the news to immediate family members on behalf of the Air Force. "Sir and Ma'am, on behalf of the Chief or Staff of the Air Force I regret to inform you..." was delivered to the family of the deceased.

By 10 a.m., I was at a funeral home identifying the body of a dearly missed Air Force member, a co-worker and wonderful young person. Her lifeless body was a mere shell of the vibrant young person that smiled at me and said, "Hello sir, how's your day going?" just days before.

The following day, family and friends began to travel to the base. The chapel staff, co-workers and I did all that we could to help her family make difficult decisions, while providing some measure of comfort.

Co-workers and the base population were stunned at the tragic news.

Plans developed for a memorial service with our superb chapel staff and top-notch Honor Guard. The icy chill of the air rushing over the crowd assembled in the chapel as the doors flung open for the 21 gun salute is a memory that will forever be etched in my mind. I will also never be able to forget the tears in her mother's eyes as I delivered the urn and remains to the family.

One of the most tragic aspects of this entire story was that this could have been avoided. This young lady was offered a ride home by two of her squadron Wingmen that noticed she had too much to drink. She told them that she was not about to drive in her condition and that she had arrangements for a hotel room nearby.

Within a couple of hours and a few more alcoholic beverages, she attempted a long drive home. She never made it - partly because she did not listen to her Wingmen and take their help when offered.

Don't let this happen to you. Don't become a victim. DUIs are extremely financially difficult and devastating to lives and careers. DUI deaths and injuries are a grave tragedy. You can make a difference. Think, and have a plan before you drink.

Call Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving, a friend, co-worker or boss for a ride home. Believe me when I say I'd much rather visit a bar at night than a morgue the next day.

Trust your Wingmen and lean on them whenever you need help or advice. They might just save your life!