AADD gets you home safe

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Airmen Against Drunk Driving program's primary mission is to assist the members of Kadena Air Base with an organized designated-driver program by providing safe, anonymous and free rides to residences in support of preventing alcohol-related incidents.

Their goal is to prevent alcohol related incidents involving military and Status of Forces Agreement members, reduce the number of DUIs among the base, educate base personnel on the severe consequences of drinking and driving and improve relations between local nationals and Kadena Air Base through positive results and success of AADD.

"AADD is a critical wing program that provides members with a safe alternative to get home," said Master Sgt. Jason McCollough, 18th Logistic Readiness Squadron Top 3 AADD Committee Lead. "The program is managed and ran by military volunteers who are committed to saving lives and preventing alcohol-related incidents. With the various transportation options available on Okinawa, there is no reason any member should ever get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol."

AADD will support any SOFA status member, and will also support squadron and private events. They can pick up on base or within a three miles radius around Kadena AB Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and during 4-day weekends Friday-Monday 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m..

"This program is very rewarding; not only to the recipients, but to our volunteers," said Sequeira. "We are implementing the Wingman Concept. We understand certain events don't go as planned, and that's why we love to offer a safe alternative. Bottom line, there should never be another DUI incident involving a Kadena member. We are free, anonymous, and here to save lives."

During the first quarter of 2016 AADD received 92 calls and provided rides for 162 people.

"As AADD we solely exist to be a spare parachute for any Airmen or SOFA status personnel that are stuck in an unfortunate situation and will contemplate getting behind the wheel," said Senior Airman Kevin Sequeira, 390th Intelligence Squadron AADD President. "When you need help, we are there."

Members wanting to volunteer as a driver or dispatcher for specific weekends can contact either their squadron POC or email the AADD org box.

You can contact AADD by calling 098-961-2233 or 634-AADD.

To volunteer, email AADD at AADD.Executivecouncil@us.af.mil