AADD: We need you!

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Airmen Against Drunk Driving had a busy year in 2014. With 178 saves, the program has helped keep driving under the influence infractions on Malmstrom at some of the lowest numbers in the past five years. This year is proving to be even better with 146 saves to date, a 65 percent increase since this time last year.

Based off the wingman concept of Airmen helping Airmen, the ultimate goal of the program is to provide a 24/7 anonymous ride service to all military personnel and dependents.

"The AADD program is a crucial tool in the fight to save lives and prevent mistakes," said Staff Sgt. Mark Brandly, 341st Operations Support Squadron AADD lead. "Malmstrom is currently at a historic low for DUIs and DWIs, and it's all thanks to volunteers."

With this growth, volunteers are a necessity. Every Airman who contributes a little time out of their week to drive or dispatch may help save a life.

The service is currently offered 365 days a year. Five drivers are on call throughout the week with a dispatcher available to customers 24/7. If someone needs a ride, all they have to do is simply call and give the necessary information for a driver to find the location.

"Without volunteers, AADD is useless," said Brandly. "Airmen that are committed to the wingman concept are crucial.

"We have volunteers of almost every rank, both enlisted and officer," he continued. "That being said, we are always in need of more people and there are several ways to have an impact within the program."

Dispatchers and drivers are in the most demand, especially on the weekends.

According to volunteers, the positions have a lot of responsibility but also offer those who take the chance to participate with a lot of reward.

The fact that it is anonymous for those being picked up also provides a level of trust between the customers and program staff.

"AADD is a very high visibility program and leadership is paying attention to those who help," said Brandly. "Some of our top volunteers have been recognized by their first shirts and it is a great community involvement bullet.

"This service has a huge impact that can save a life or the career of a fellow Airman," he continued. "We would appreciate all the help we can get, and 'thank you' to those who have already volunteered."

If interested in volunteering, contact Staff Sgt. Mark Brandly at 406-731-2710 or the AADD hotline directly at 406-788-HOME.