AADD steers Airmen toward development

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY --  The Air Force teaches the "wingman concept" starting at basic training, and throughout their careers, Airmen are encouraged to grow, share and apply this idea.

After initial training, junior-enlisted Airmen work within their unit to build the concept of friendship, professionalism and commonsense that comprises the wingman concept, but at Aviano, they have an alternative opportunity, and they might just be saving lives too.

Airmen Against Drunk Driving strives to prevent drunk driving in the community. Underneath their mission, though, one can find opportunities to expand their own abilities, meet new friends and mentors, improve their career and see the impact one Airman can make on another, all in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

"AADD is a great tool for the dispatchers, not just the Airmen who dial in," said Airman 1st Class Jamilla Reid, 31st Security Forces Squadron response force member and AADD volunteer. "It teaches us responsibility and the wingman concept, which are traits we need early on to help us take on more independent tasks in our Air Force careers."

Reid said volunteers learn these lessons from the program's expectations through a more personal perspective.

"When you pick up someone stumbling outside of a nightclub and get them home safely, you start to think, 'What if I wasn't there?'" said Reid. "If every Airman experienced this, I think many of us would have a greater personal understanding of the wingman concept and the real danger people face concerning DUIs."

Between each call, volunteers still have an opportunity to grow as Airmen.

"AADD brings Airmen [across Aviano] together in one spot," said Staff Sgt. Gregory Walker, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen dorm leader, "Once there, they will naturally interact, share ideas and make friends who also set out to do great things for the community. That is fertile soil for developing our younger Airmen."

As a bonus, the operations don't happen in a bare room with a telephone. AADD works out of the Refuge, a room donated by the base chaplains. The space is full of arcade games, movies, books and more.

"The Refuge is better than your dorm room - I can almost guarantee it," said Airman Lance Tillery, 31st Security Forces Squadron response force member and AADD volunteer. "Staying here doesn't feel like work, but you know you are providing a great service regardless."

Walker hopes volunteers will pass along their experience with other Airmen, and eventually grow the program.

"Word of mouth is the best way to send out this great message, and I know these young Airmen will talk about AADD positively," said Walker. "Before you know it, slots will fill up before they are even posted, [which shows] our community and wingmen we have their backs, ensuring they return with honor."