AADD offers free, safe rides back to base Published Oct. 6, 2010 By Jonathan Hicks 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler Airmen are making a difference in the fight against drunk driving with the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program. AADD uses the Air Force wingman concept to help save lives by offering a confidential free ride back to the base for drivers who have been drinking. The AADD phone number is 377-SAVE (7283). Hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The service is also available during the same hours on Thursdays before non-trainings Friday and Sundays when there's a federal holiday on Monday. "This program is a safe alternative for Airmen to get a ride home after they have had too much to drink," said Airman 1st Class Mackenzie Jackson, AADD president. He's a knowledge operations manager in the 81st Training Group. "The purpose of this organization is two-fold," Airman Jackson explained. "First, we're trying to reduce alcohol-related incidents in our military and surrounding community by providing a variety of services. Second, we're trying to save the Armed Forces money for the cost of disciplining, retraining and replacing military personnel by reducing the loss of lives." Airman Jackson said the AADD program has been active at Keesler for five years. It's also in place at other bases." "This year we have more than 200 active volunteers so far," he pointed out. "If someone is interested in volunteering, all they have to do is fill out our 'hold harmless' statement. The scheduler or I will input that information into our database and then send the individual a link to our schedule so they can volunteer whenever they like," he added. So far this year, AADD has kept more than 270 people who have been drinking off the road. "We have seen less people using the program this year than last year," he noted. "Last year we actually had 443 people use the program. In the future, I and the other executive officers are actively trying to come up with more incentives and rewards for our volunteers." For more information or to volunteer, call 377-5511.