'Live by a Higher Code:' EUDL unveils new Web site

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  It has been more than a year since federal officials announced that Malmstrom would be one of five test bases, along with their surrounding host communities, to receive grant money to help address and combat underage drinking. 

Since the $350,000 was presented to law enforcement officials in mid-October 2006, many strides have been taken to put that money to good use. 

"We had to supply a plan on how the money would be used when we first applied for the grant," said Michael Ward, Chief of Security Forces Administration here. 

In keeping with that plan, equipment was purchased, training was given and special events for Airmen were funded. But before all that could happen, the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws committee, a group of individuals from Malmstrom and the Great Falls community, was formed. 

The EUDL meets monthly to make recommendations for implementing the use of the grant money and share success stories from events sponsored by the funds. At the EUDL meeting in September, a significant milestone was unveiled - www.USA0013.com. 

"Before we even set out on the journey to create this site, we did a lot of research at the base," said Pat Doyle, creative director for Banik Communications in Great Falls. "We asked the Airmen a lot of questions about what they liked, disliked, where they spent most of their time on the Internet and questions in general." 

From their answers, the creative team came up with some ideas and began their Web site-making quest. 

"One of the things that was a constant with every Airmen we talked to is their pride in being in the military," Mr. Doyle said. "It was very apparent, even to me being non-military." 

The team decided to capitalize on that "hook" and came up with the slogan "Live by a Higher Code," which is incorporated throughout the Web site as well as on other advertising venues they've designed. 

"Everyone knows what 0-0-1-3 stands for," said Steve Pre'tat, EUDL community coordinator. "Nowhere on this Web site will anyone find that standard message of 'don't drink and drive.' It is just not there." 

Instead, the creative team used the latest trends out there to develop a fun place to become more educated on the harmful effects of drinking and to offer alternatives for social activities. 

"We are in our infancy right now and we want to grow this Web site to be what the Airman want it to be," Officer Pre'tat said. "There's a link to blog on the site and I encourage everyone to give me feedback. I want to interact with users directly and hear their ideas for improvement and for programs they would like to see." 

The lecturing format has been eliminated but the purpose of the site still remains - to be an educational tool to help Airman make responsible choices. 

"A critical element of drinking that most people are not aware of is that in one night of heavy drinking, they lose 14 days of gym time," said Kelley Suggs, health education program manager and EUDL committee member. "It takes the body that long to recover...and heavy drinking is anything more than one drink per hour, three drinks per sitting." 

For anyone questioning their consumption, the Web site offers a unique facet, the E-Chug test, to gauge an individual's drinking habits. 

"This is not new. It has been used at college campuses - including the Air Force Academy - for quite some time," Officer Pre'tat said. "But it is truthful. Answer the questions and it will provide you with feedback on where you fit in in the community compared to others, as far as your alcohol consumption." 

On a lighter note, there will also be regular competitions through the site. Right now there is one for the amateur film makers in the audience, called "Be 1, Make 1, Mach 1." 
The winner will have the choice of a ride in an F-16 (if military) or the opportunity to produce their own video with a professional production company. Complete details can be found on the site. 

The grant money, $300,000 for each of the next two years, to continue supporting these efforts has already been earmarked. Some of it will continue to fund training, equipment purchases and required items. But not all of it has been allocated.
Funding for special programs and events for the upcoming year has not been determined. 

"I need help spending that money," Officer Pre'tat said. "Use the Web site, get your friends involved - get everyone you know involved. It isn't limited to people in the Air Force or people in Great Falls. E-mail them from the site and let them try it for themselves. And let me know what you want to do." 

He said he cannot give away money or gifts, but he can pay for group trips or bring in guest speakers or any number of things people want to do for recreation or social interaction. 

Other links on the site include a tab with resources to seek help, a calendar of upcoming events in the local area, an area for hot topics and a link to photo coverage from local events. 

"Our intent is not to lecture anyone," Officer Pre'tat said. "Our intent is for this to be an alternative activity site. I just want folks to relax and to let me know what it is they want to do."

Editor's Note: In order to access the Web site, users must have Internet Explorer version 7.0. It is a free upgrade downloadable to personal computers. The base library also has computers with the upgrade installed. The user ID for the Web site is 0013.