Choose wisely

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Drake
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Command Chief
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  There's an alarming trend among our younger single Airmen that quite frankly has me losing sleep. It seems that not a week goes by where I don't hear about an Air Mobility Command Airman who made a conscious decision to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol and got caught.

What's particularly troubling is it's often a superstar Airman with a promising future who made a really bad, life-altering choice. That's right, a choice. You see, driving under the influence is no accident, it's a deliberate choice.

Why then, would an Airman choose to drive after drinking and risk so much? Is it that they think they won't get caught?

Our local law enforcement is extremely good at identifying impaired drivers, and aggressively seeks them out before they can pose a threat to themselves and others. If you're driving through the gates, you certainly won't fool anyone.

It's a no-brainer to say that anybody with common sense should know better than to drive drunk. But let's face it. When you're drinking, common sense has much less influence on you than the alcohol. The minute you put those keys into the ignition, you are taking a huge risk.

Think you're okay to drive? The truth is, regardless of your blood alcohol content, you are impaired and pose a significant risk to yourself and any others who may cross your path.

There are countless alternatives to driving drunk: Call a cab, friend, supervisor, first sergeant or chief master sergeant. Our Airmen Against Drunk Driving volunteers will get you and your car home safely with no questions asked.

Friends play a critical role in preventing DUIs, but often times, they fail to act out of fear of damaging their relationship. It takes courage and commitment to be a good Wingman. If you suspect your buddy has been drinking, don't let them drive. It's really that simple.