Laughlin's BAADD program prepares for changes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Airmen here will soon notice changes in the way the Base Airmen Against Drunk Driving program operates.

BAADD is designed to assist Airmen who may have had too much to drink and can't find a ride home. It is a system put in place to ensure there are absolutely no excuses for driving under the influence.

Effective immediately, BAADD rides are available only to military identification cardholders, including spouses and civilians who work at Laughlin. IDs will be checked prior to any caller being allowed to enter a BAADD driver's vehicle to ensure they are eligible for a free ride.

While nothing has been finalized, the way BAADD handles taking calls and dispatching drivers, as well as the sign-up procedure, is being streamlined to allow more Airmen to volunteer, according to Senior Airman Romeo Tchetchua, BAADD president.

The sign-up process should be going to an almost 100 percent web-based system, where individuals wishing to volunteer can fill out a simple form online to print and turn in to their first sergeant or commander, Airman Tchetchua said. There is no estimated date for the new procedures to be put into action.

Additionally, volunteers will be able to be on telephone standby, as opposed to having to meet in the Laughlin Enlisted Heritage Center. According to planning by the BAADD council, a dispatcher will have a list of volunteer drivers and their phone numbers, and will send drivers according to where they live, where the caller needs a ride to and what time they have volunteered to be on call.

By doing this, Airmen can volunteer from wherever they choose as long as they can be reached by phone.

Volunteers are essential to the continuing existence of the BAADD program. Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Heinzen, 47th Flying Training Wing command chief, said achieving BAADD's goal of eliminating DUIs on Laughlin and the surrounding community can only be realized through the support and partnership of every Airman: officer, enlisted, civilian, contractor and family member.

"This truly is Airmen taking care of Airmen," he said.

BAADD drivers will only take callers to their place of residence, without exception. The program is intended to be a last-resort measure, and not an initial plan for how to get home after drinking, Airman Tchetchua said.

BAADD operates from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and some holidays. To request a pickup during these hours, call 298-HOME (4663.) For details, call Airman Tchetchua during regular duty hours at 298-5022.