Sober Ride backs up Moody Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Olivia Bumpers
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Social drinking isn't a crime, but driving home after having drinks is.

Sober Ride is a base volunteer program that was created in 1997 and committed to making sure Airmen don't commit that crime. They do this by offering a safe ride home to those who call 25-SOBER.

Sober Ride operates on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

"Our main objective is to get Airmen home safely," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Justin Ashworth, Sober Ride president. "Sober Ride is a back up for when a plan falls through."

The program is designed so that whoever calls will not face any consequences with their superiors.

"Some Airmen feel they would get in trouble if they called their supervisor or a higher up. Sober Ride gives them a way to get home without fear of repercussion," said Ashworth.

Sober Ride saved 1,312 people from possible alcohol related incidents in 2012.

"The program wouldn't be able to run without those who volunteer," said Ashworth. "We're working with units to volunteer for a couple of weekends, and we're getting great feedback."

Airman 1st Class Joseph Hines, 23d Force Support Squadron personnel apprentice and Sober Ride's 4th quarter 2012 top volunteer, has supported the program since he came to Moody in April 2012.

"I feel Sober Ride is a chance for individuals who are mindful enough to call," said Hines. "Not only are we saving lives, we are saving careers."

Hines dedicated over 90 hours of service in the 4th quarter, saving 187 people.

"I try to volunteer as much as they let me," said Hines. "I grew up with a father who was an excessive drinker, so that motivates me to help prevent others from having any kind of alcohol-related incident."

Considering the consequences of a DUI incident, an easier route is to refrain from alcohol consumption altogether prior to driving and always having a plan beforehand. In many cases, there are always options other than getting behind the wheel.

"It is your responsibility to have a plan before going out and drinking," said Ashworth. "I urge Airmen to call 25-SOBER if things don't go as planned."

While it is an Airman's responsibility to have a plan for transportation when he's out drinking, Sober Ride is available to provide a free, safe and confidential ride home.