21st Force Support Squadron lock-in educates Airmen on DUIs

Published Oct. 9, 2008
By Senior Airman Ricardo Wood and Airman 1st Class Tavia Sharpe
21st Force Support Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- October emphasizes discipline for Air Force Space Command's Year of Leadership, a part of which is self discipline, and that is what , the Airmen of the newly merged 21st Force Support Squadron focused on, Sept. 20.

They got together to take some preventative steps to address an issue that can impact almost anyone without the proper self discipline: driving under the influence of alcohol, or DUI.

The Airmen, E-4 and below, of the 21st hosted a Saturday night "Lock-In." The event kicked off at 8 p.m. with a meet and greet. As the Airmen enjoyed pizza and wings, the casual gathering gave a rare opportunity to mingle and converse outside of the formality of the office.

Lt. Col. Robert Romer, 21st FSS commander, arrived and addressed the Airmen about the importance of their decisions, caring for one another and holding each other accountable. Karen Teel, a representative from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, shared her wisdom by giving the Airmen insight on the continuing problems with drinking and driving and the unfortunate and often tragic consequences that come with this epidemic.

The emphasis was placed not on the punitive side of drinking, but on the sobering and absolute importance of making good decisions. The tone was one of impartiality and anonymity that encouraged Airmen to call a fellow wingman when in need of a safe drive home, without the worry of being judged or having the incident be the talk of the workplace.
The committee for "Operation Taking Care of Each Other" planned many activities, including three-on-three basketball, four-on-four volleyball, playing Madden NFL 2009, and a Guitar Hero competition.

Airmen also took part in a scavenger hunt. Each Airman was provided a list of criteria. For example, "name someone with green eyes," "who has a sibling in the military?" or "name a person who has lived in another country." They then had to ask around and attain the signature of someone in the group who fit that description. The winner was Airman First Class Ashley King, who collected the most signatures and was awarded a $25 gift certificate.

Airman First Class Shawn Dunagan received a $15 gift certificate for winning the racquetball tournament. Senior Airman Ryan Phelps was the Madden NFL 2009 tournament winner and Airman First Class Ross Ocanas was the Guitar Hero tournament winner; each received a $15 gift certificate from GameStop. The winners for volleyball were: Airmen First Class Danielle Gougler, and Joel Key, and Airman Sara Bostwick. The winning basketball team consisted of Airmen First Class Matt Gougler and Michael Trent and Senior Airmen Cory Williams and Ricardo Wood. Each received a $10 gift certificate from Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority or Foot Locker. We also provided $25 door prize gift certificates from Circuit City to Senior Airmen Vicente Martinez and Ryan Phelps.

"I thought the Lock-In was a great event," said Airman Basic Joel Key, who attended. "I had a good time, and I now know some of the names to the faces I see."

Roughly 35 people attended the lock-in. Overall, the lock-in was a great success. It was a bonding experience that took a unique approach in addressing an issue that we often shy away from, believing that we will never be affected. Hopefully, after a relaxed evening of fun and games, each Airman walked away with a new name and phone number of someone they can call, without reluctance, in a time of need.

We look forward to making this type of morale-booster available to many more Airmen in the future to show how the combination of self discipline and and a good wingman can be a career...and a life saver.

(Editor's Note: This article is one of several highlighting the Air Force Space Command Year of Leadership and its focus on discipline)