AADD saves lives Published Jan. 31, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Airmen Against Drunk Driving is a program designed to keep Airmen off the roads and provide safe transportation when their "designated driver" plan falls through. AADD members and volunteers are dedicated to saving lives and careers, and they do just that. Since March 2010, Aviano Airmen Against Drunk Driving has provided a safe way home for more than 650 people. "That's a lot of stripes, a lot of careers, a lot of lives," said Senior Airman Leteya Tsonetokoy, AADD president. Her fellow AADD council member agrees. "Imagine if those 650 Airmen hadn't been able to call AADD and chose to drive home instead," said Airman 1st Class Crystal Nicole Mosley, AADD assistant secretary. "Think of how many people could have been hurt, affected or even dead if AADD hadn't been there when they called. AADD performs a very necessary service." AADD operates with a minimum of five volunteers from 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. every Friday and Saturday night at the Refuge. Airmen of all ranks, dependents and retirees can call, without fear of repercussion, to be picked up within a 30-minute drive of base, or farther away if the driver agrees. "This program wouldn't be possible without the board members or volunteers," said Airman Tsonetokoy. "People volunteer their time, vehicles and gas, but it's for a worthy cause. How good would it feel to say 'I saved 14 lives in one night?'" Anyone can volunteer, whether as part of a group or as an individual. "You're always sure to meet great people when you volunteer," said Airman Tsonetokoy. "Don't be afraid to come alone." Always seeking to improve, AADD holds meetings 3:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Refuge. For more information about volunteering for AADD, call Staff Sgt. Melissa Kee at DSN 632-5211 or Senior Airman Melissa Hill at DSN 632-5209. To contact AADD during duty hours, call DSN 632-2233 or 043-430-2233 if calling from off base.