MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Drinking and driving is a split-second decision that can ruin an Airman’s life, the Air Force has a program in place to prevent drinking and driving Airmen Against Drunk Driving (AADD).
AADD offers free, confidential rides home if an Airman’s plans fall through after a night out. AADD is a private organization that strives to save lives by gathering volunteers to be designated drivers on the weekends.
“The ultimate goal of AADD is to reduce DUI violations in the Moody AFB community,” said Staff Sgt. Omar Salih, AADD president.
In 2018, the AADD team at Moody garnered 61 saves, and reduced DUIs by 15 percent from 2017, and 10 percent from Moody’s 10 year average.
“The more rides that we give, the less chance there is of someone getting a DUI violation,” said Salih.
To volunteer with AADD call 229-257-6237 and sign up to be a driver. The only requirements are a military ID card and a properly functioning vehicle.
AADD’s hours are 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, but they recently started their new 24/7 ops which will provide rides anytime outside of the normal hours.
“The organization was made for Airmen, “Big A” Airmen,” said Salih. “There is no rank limitation or restriction when you call 25SOBER for a ride home.”
To use AADD in Valdosta, just call 229-257-6237 (25SOBER), your military affiliation will be verified then you will provide dispatch with your location and destination.
“AADD is extremely important,” said Salih. “There is no shame in calling 25SOBER, our 24/7 hotline.”