Airmen working to prevent DWIs

Gabriel Monte

As parties and celebrations mark calendars during the Christmas and New Year holiday, Cannon Air Force Base airmen are fighting to prevent another kind of mark on fellow airmen’s records: DWI.

DWI convictions are taken seriously within the military community, according to Cannon Air Force Base public affairs. Punishment is at a commander’s discretion and could include non-judicial punishments or court-martial charges.

In an effort to reduce DWIs and potentially save lives from alcohol-related accidents, more than 150 members of the Airmen Against Drunk Driving at Cannon are providing free rides home if designated drivers are not available at a party.

The 27th Special Operations Security Forces will also hand out DWI prevention flyers at the main gate before Christmas and New Year’s Day, according to the Cannon public affairs office. The commander may also employ on-base checkpoints at his discretion.

Another airmen’s group is devising activities for base personnel that don’t involve drinking.

Launched in July, the Troop Enhancing Airman Morale — also known as the A-T.E.A.M. — has more than 40 members and are combining efforts with Airmen Against Drunk Driving to provide free rides for airmen. The troop is planning its inaugural event, according to public affairs.

This year, 21 Cannon airmen have been arrested for DWI on and off base, according to public affairs. In the Clovis and Portales communities there have been nearly 600 DWI arrests so far this year.