Sober ride saves lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  To reduce the number of driving under influence incidences, Moody officials continue to encourage Airmen to take advantage of a program that provides a safe ride home.

The Sober Ride program was formed in 1997 by the Base Advisory Council to support the base's senior leadership in preventing drunk driving tragedies and misfortune among Moody members. The program is designed to serve as back-up when traditional designated driver options are not available.

"The program provides anonymous free rides to any Department of Defense cardholder who is unable to drive because they are impaired by alcohol," said Tech Sgt. Matt Ryan, 23rd Communications Squadron unit deployment manager and the program's current president. "Rides are available to those who call the hotline '25-SOBER' and are within a 20 mile radius of the base."

The operating hours of the program run from 10 p.m.-4:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.

During each shift, there is one location responsible for receiving the calls and logging necessary information such as time, date, number of people, location, drop off location, what the caller is wearing, alias name and cell phone number.

This person will then call a driver and provide the information received from the call. On average, there is between eight to 10 volunteer drivers available each night.

When a driver arrives at the location, the individual must be able to surrender a DoD identification card.

The drivers will then provide a ride from a nightclub, party or other function to the individual's home.

"The drivers' main objective is to get the individual home safely, whether it's at the dorms or a private residence," said Sergeant Ryan. "But it's against our policy to bring them to any other place."

The Sober Ride program is completely manned by volunteers on base.

"Without the Airmen who volunteer, the program wouldn't be able to run," said Sergeant Ryan. "It's great to see them sacrificing their own nights to help their wingmen and prevent drunk driving."

Tech. Sgt. Koren Parrish, 41st Helicopter Maintenance Unit assistant specialist NCO in-charge, has been performing Sober Ride duties for the program since arriving at Moody in 2004.

"I chose to volunteer because I believe it's a worthwhile program that's in constant need of assistance," Sergeant Parrish. "I know that hard work comes with much needed play time, and I like knowing that what I do helps keep our personnel and local community safe."

So far this year the program has provided 463 rides, and Sergeant Ryan stressed that Sober Ride will continue to be there to help Airmen.

"Sober Ride will always be available," said Sergeant Ryan. "However, have a plan before going out and use the wingman system. The program should only be your back-up when things don't go as planned."