DASH program offers free ride

Published July 6, 2007
By Matthew Cook
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Volunteers on base offer free rides for people who've had one too many drinks.

To help people get home safely, participants in the "Drive A Servicemember Home" program are willing to lend a hand at no charge. DASH, formerly known as Enlisted Against Drunk Driving, or EADD, recently changed its name to eliminate acronym confusion and who is able to use the program.

DASH volunteers want to provide servicemembers a safe ride home, said Staff Sgt. Sean Arce, DASH program manager, adding that people need a "back-up plan."

Hours of operation are 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and some holidays if it is a three-day weekend.

The program is open for all servicemembers. Dispatchers from the DASH program will ask for their first name and location, and will then come and drive them home.

The program has many supporters.

"This is just the type of program we need," said Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Omdal, 21st Space Wing command chief master sergeant. "Even one DUI is too many, so anything that will keep our Airmen and servicemembers from driving after drinking is an outstanding program. My kudos to the volunteers who keep this program, and our Airmen, alive."

Sergeant Arce explains that many commanders have become concerned with the rate of drunken driving accidents, just in the last month.

"We lose a lot of members because of the war - we shouldn't lose anyone to drunk driving," said Sergeant Arce. The main goal is "keeping them safe and out of trouble."

Sometimes the DASH Program is forced to cancel operations because they do not have enough volunteers. Any servicemember can volunteer, including civilian employees. The program is strictly volunteer and is just for the assigned weekend. Volunteers work on an "on call" basis, use their own vehicle and can choose what nights they want to work.

To volunteer for the DASH Program, send e-mail to team.pete.eadd@cheyennemountain.af.mil or call Senior Airman Abigayle Tabita at 556-1121.

The DASH program is available to Peterson, Schriever, and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station servicemembers. For a free ride, call 55 NO DUI (556-6384).