Airmen learn about responsible drinking

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The three-drink rule may look like a good plan on paper, but how can Airmen really understand the effects of alcohol on their bodies without going over the legal limit?

For more than 30 young Airmen from Aviano, an evening of free wine and food at an Italian vineyard as well as round-trip transportation helped them fully understand the effects alcohol can have on each individual.

The Airmen and leadership with the 31st Fighter Wing were invited May 21 as guests of Sergio Gelisi, the owner of a local winery and a former honorary squadron commander. Local Italian police, Carabinieri, the prefect of Pordenone province and other honorary squadron commanders were also in attendance.

The goal of the event was to teach Airmen how to enjoy the Italian culture responsibly and how wine can affect a person's judgment. Police were on hand to administer breathalyzer tests to the Airmen throughout the evening. The tests were used to show the Airmen how much alcohol they had in their system and to give them a better understanding of how to stay within their limits.

"This evening was very informative," said Airman 1st Class Robert Nay, 31st Munitions Squadron. "To be able to know where our limits are compared to other people and to understand when we've had too much to drive is great."

Col. Patrick McClelland, 31st FW vice commander, encouraged the Airmen to know their limits and to not get carried away.

"This has been a wonderful opportunity to do two things," he said. "First, teach our Airmen to drink responsibly. Second, to realize the awesome opportunities available while stationed at Aviano."

The colonel said he thinks Airmen don't intentionally get in a car believing they are drunk.

"Airmen need to realize that it's not about how they feel, but what the breathalyzer and the law say," Colonel McClelland said.

The Honorary Squadron Commanders Association, made up of local leaders throughout the 13 communities surrounding Aviano, wanted to take a new approach to a common problem throughout the world -- drinking and driving.

"We want to teach the Airmen about the taste of wine and for them to enjoy it in moderation," said Mr. Gelisi. "This should be an educational experience for them to learn our culture, but also about the dangers of drinking and driving."

Throughout the evening Airmen were treated to five different types of wine and various cheese, bread and meat.

"The food and wine were awesome," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Evan, 603rd Air Control Squadron. "This was my first time to take a breathalyzer and I hope I never have to again."

Airmen were also treated to a choir performance by the Alpini Group of Castelnuovo del Friuli.