Commander: Zero tolerance for DUIs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jason Hernandez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Colonel H. Brent Baker Sr., 95th Air Base Wing commander, has a goal of reducing the numbers of people driving under the influence at Edwards for 2007.

In 2006, Edwards had a total of 21 DUIs, one more than 2005.

"Driving under the influence is a problem that has no place in the Air Force," Colonel Baker said. "Several years ago we went to zero tolerance with drug issues and I really think that's where we need to go with DUIs. In my mind, one DUI is one too many."

Civilians, contractors and servicemembers can all expect similar consequences for getting a DUI, Colonel Baker said.

"Servicemembers are prosecuted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and civilians are subject to local laws," Colonel Baker said. "However, the penalties are very similar in severity. A lot of states have become very tough on DUIs. Civilians and servicemembers usually lose their license for a year and get increased insurance rates and substantial fines. Servicemembers may also get an article 15 under the UCMJ, and loss of rank and pay."

Edwards personnel should already be aware that DUIs are strictly against base policy, Colonel Baker said.

"We have done so much to discuss DUIs over the years," Colonel Baker said. "We talk about it during safety calls, commander calls, and everywhere we go. Is it really the DUIs that are the issue or is it people saying that they are going to do what they want to do?"

There are different programs on base that provide support and help fight against drunk driving for Edwards Airmen and civilians. One of the programs is the Airmen Against Drunk Driving Program, supported by Edwards volunteers. The program provides a free, anonymous ride to military, DoD civilians, base contractors and family members, said Tech. Sgt. Sailanka Pangilinan, 95th ABW Command Post noncommissioned officer in charge of sorts and reports.

"I don't see any lists with names of people who call AADD," Colonel Baker said. "People should not be afraid to use it."

When an individual calls AADD, a controller asks for a description and location of a person requesting transportation, Sergeant Pangilinan said. Once that information is obtained, a roster of volunteers is used to locate a driver in one of the serviced areas, which includes Edwards, Rosamond, Lancaster, Tehachapi, Mojave, Palmdale, and California City.

The goal of AADD is to create a safe environment and eliminate drunk driving, Sergeant Pangilinan said.

The Wingman Program is also an important program in DUI prevention, Colonel Baker said. The program involves knowing who your wingman is, taking care of them if they go out and ensuring that they make it home safely.

"I don't think most Airmen plan to fail, but they fail to plan," Colonel Baker said. "They don't think about how they are going to get home, who will be with them and numbers for a taxi or AADD. If you're going to drink, don't drive period."

Team Edwards members who need AADD's services can call 277-AADD (2233).