DUI issue: Red Key Campaign creates wingman challenge

  • Published
  • By Glenn Garcia
  • 90th Medical Operation Squadron
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Warren's Operation Resiliency Campaign will focus during the month of December on responsible alcohol use and identifying a wingman.

Warren has been experiencing a rash of alcohol related driving infractions over the past several months. Within the alcohol drug abuse prevention training program, there have been 32 DUIs this year. This is a major increase from the 18 in 2008, and the holiday party season is just getting started.

What is most concerning about these numbers is a subgroup of incidents whereby, four members who were designated drivers were stopped for alcohol related driving infractions. These events clearly indicate base members are not taking care of each other and are even putting the wingman concept at risk.

This is a dangerous trend and is not compatible with the goals of the Air Force, the Air Force Global Strike Command mission or the focus of 90th Missile Wing Commander Col. Greg Tims.

The wing has invested in an innovative campaign developed to increase awareness of making responsible choices using a visual reminder that serves three critical purposes. The wing will provide each active-duty member with a red key that will have a dual message.

One side of the key has a reminder message to make responsible choices with the phone number for the Arrive Alive Program - a free taxi service.

This message serves four purposes by using something every person uses on a daily basis, their keys. The objective is to not burden members with something else to carry in their wallet, but rather some medium that helps raise awareness in the following ways:

·Creates awareness for making responsible choices which keeps with Colonel Tims' warrior ethos of daily excellence.

·It is a last resort for deterrence if a person who has had too much to drink is fumbling for their keys in an attempt to drive while intoxicated. Seeing the red key will remind them to call their wingman or the Arrive Alive Program to get home safely.

·Provides easy access to the phone number for the Arrive Alive Program without having to dig though a wallet or purse to find a card.

·It is a daily reminder that Airmen must have a wingman whom they can call in a time of need.

The keys recently arrived on base, and the plan is to have them distributed to members by group and squadron commanders during a commander's call. Commanders will ensure people place the keys on their key chain at that moment. The campaign will not be effective if the key is hidden away somewhere or is not within reach at all times.

During December, a wingman key challenge will take place for supervisors and co-workers to key their people. Airmen will be asked to show their key and state who their wingman is on the spot.

The goal of this campaign is to allow Airmen to spend the holidays with those they truly care about instead of having to explain or justify inaction or irresponsibility. It is time to show Warren's new command and the local community it is worthy of their trust and support. The success of this WOR's red key campaign depends on base-wide participation. It could be a matter of life and death.