BAADD saves lives but needs your help

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Evan Ross
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A Laughlin organization has helped get 88 people home safely this year, saving them from potentially life and career threatening DUIs.

Base Airmen Against Drunk Driving is an organization on base whose mission is to lower the number of alcohol-related incidents in the Laughlin community by offering free rides home on the weekends from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. They also extend their hours on three-day weekends.

Airman 1st Class Bryan Green, B.A.A.D.D. president, explained that the success of the organization relies on the selfless assistance of every member of Team XL. Green also explained that the number of volunteers he receives each weekend has dropped over the past few months.

"In a perfect situation, we would have about five volunteers per night. One dispatcher and about four drivers," said Green, "but most nights, it's just me and my wife."

Green clarified that he understands where the lull in support is coming from.

"I don't think that the base doesn't have an interest to volunteer, I just don't think that people think about us until they need us," said Green, "If you don't use us, I think you may forget that we do need volunteers every weekend."

According to Green, B.A.A.D.D receives an average of about two or three calls on a weekend, and the most he has received is eight. In addition to calls, B.A.A.D.D. also has drivers posted at many base events such as combat dining-out to take people home when needed without having to call.

Green explained a typical weekend for a volunteer driver.

"There is no B.A.A.D.D room, so as long as you have your phone with you, you can do whatever you would normally be doing. You could be sitting on your couch at your house playing video games or watching television, just make sure you answer your phone," said Green.

According to Green, there have been only 86 volunteer slots filled this year, and B.A.A.D.D. has received 63 calls and has taken several additional people home from base events as well.

"When you volunteer with B.A.A.D.D. you are saving lives," said Green, "What could be more important?"

Anyone interested in volunteering and saving lives can call Airman Green at 298-HOME (4663) or send an email to 47ftw.baadd@us.af.mil.