Operation SafeRIDE transitions to AADD

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Apryl Hall
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Operation SafeRIDE. It’s posted everywhere. It’s on flyers and websites and brochures. It’s heard during safety briefings every Friday before the duty day is over and the weekend festivities begin. We know what it is and how it works, but what does it stand for?

In an effort to help spread awareness, OSR will soon make the change to be called Airmen Against Drunk Driving, a program that is widely recognizable to Airmen across the Air Force.

“A lot of career Airmen we have who PCS into Minot are more familiar with AADD, as it is a common program at many bases across the Air Force,” said Staff Sgt. Shelby Gowler, 5th Bomb Wing Personnel Reliability Program representative and AADD public affairs officer. “We are hoping the change will make it more visible and recognizable to the military members coming to Minot.”

In addition to the new name, the program will be revamped as a whole. Hours will be from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, which makes it easier to get volunteers for the two-man system.

“AADD is all about the wingman concept,” said Senior Airman Erika Santos, an Airman assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing command post and AADD president. “For the safety of our volunteers and our passengers, two volunteers, a driver and a wingman, should be in the vehicles when picking up passengers.”

Another initiative with AADD is to get the downtown community more involved. Local businesses have made numerous donations including vehicles, wireless internet and food for volunteers. Local bars are also getting involved with the program.

“Fifth 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing leadership have gone out of their way to meet with the bar owners in Minot,” Santos said. “Our AADD logo will now be featured inside the bars along with our business cards.”

After a little research, Santos discovered OSR was originally called AADD over 10 years ago. The name Operation SafeRIDE came about to get the message across that calling for a ride home didn’t necessarily have to entail consuming alcohol. It was also an escape from an uncomfortable situation such as harassment or assault. The same rules apply with AADD.

“I think that the main reason OSR or AADD exists is to take care of our Airmen,” Santos said. “I truly believe in the wingman concept, and AADD is an example of this.”

Although the transition comes with a few new adjustments, AADD’s sole purpose remains the same. The program provides options to all Airmen, and helps prevent potential destructive situations.

“Our program is meant for all Airmen in the Air Force regardless of rank,” Santos said. “In the past three years that I have been on the council, I have seen OSR grow to get where it is today. Becoming AADD is just another way of reinventing ourselves and spreading awareness in the community.”

While the phone number for AADD services remains the same (701-720-2254), the email address has changed. For those who wish to volunteer or request AADD services for an event, email minotAADD@gmail.com