Airmen Against Drunk Driving

Airmen Against Drunk Driving, or A2D2, were Wingmen even before the term became common in Air Force lingo. Airmen volunteer to give a safe ride home to fellow Airmen who drink too much on the weekends. Confidentiality is important and may have helped their call numbers increase over the years. Current president, Senior Airman Jordan Fuller; A2D2 officer, Senior Airmen Amy Villarreal and incoming president Senior Airman Nedjet Logan say the group has ensured a safe homecoming 213 times this year to date. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

A2D2 ready, waiting to help Airmen during holidays

Published Dec. 17, 2010
By Nicole Turner
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- After spending a night on the town and having some drinks with friends, people usually have three options to get back home -- drive under the influence, call a cab and spend even more money or call A2D2, a completely free service to all active duty military personnel and employees at Tinker.

Airmen Against Drunk Driving, or A2D2, has been saving lives and providing rides to people under the influence of alcohol for more than 10 years.

"Our main job is to spread the word about our services and find volunteers," said President of A2D2, Senior Airman Jordan Fuller.

Airman Fuller's primary occupation is being a medical laboratory technician in the 72nd Medical Support Squadron, but he spends a lot of his weekends as an A2D2 officer.

Similar to a taxi service, A2D2 has a specific phone number, 820-4444, that people can call if they are under the influence of alcohol and need a ride home.

Each Friday and Saturday, between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., three to four volunteers set up in a central location. An A2D2 dispatcher is on duty to answer calls and then assigns and sends out drivers to pick up the callers. Drivers go to several places in the Oklahoma City metro area including Edmond, Moore and even Norman.

"It's a lot of coverage, almost all of the Oklahoma City area," Airman Fuller said.

As an officer for A2D2, Senior Airman Amy Villarreal, x-ray technician in the 72nd Medical Operations Squadron, said she wants people to know that the service is available and she encourages people to use it if they need it. She said there's always a confidentiality code when the volunteers are driving and that they do not judge anyone.

"It's a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy," Airman Villarreal said. "Our goal is to just get you home safely."

In 2009 A2D2 saved 121 people by giving them a ride home while they were under the influence, and this year A2D2 has saved more than 210 people.

"It's reality," said A2D2 officer Senior Airman Nedjet Logan, aerospace medical service technician in the 72nd MDOS. "It's definitely an important part of the military life."

As A2D2 officers, drivers must use their own vehicles. However, they are reimbursed with gas cards and even have the opportunity to get their vehicles cleaned and detailed.

To be a volunteer for A2D2 or for more information about the free service, call Airman Fuller at 736-2497.