Driving Under the Influence - A Personal Testament

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Randall L. Rogers
  • 6th Force Support Squadron
MACDILL AFB, Fla. --  As a U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant with more than 10 years of experience, I understand the responsibilities of being a noncommissioned officer and a good wingman. I would like to share my personal experience of being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. On Sept. 25, I made a poor choice of not having a game plan or a wingman after deciding to go out and drink alcohol. After leaving YBOR City with a blood alcohol level of .202, I made an irreversible error in judgment to get in my car and drive home. In hindsight, I should have called a cab or a friend for a ride. Being impaired by alcohol clouded my judgment, and as a consequence I made a very poor decision. I'm very lucky that I did not cause any physical harm to myself or anyone else; however, that decision led to my arrest and a significant impact on my career and financial standing.

Please think twice before making the same mistake I did. The Short Fitness Center recently hosted the Save-A-Life Tour on the dangers of drinking and driving. I attended that seminar after my arrest. Please recognize if you get behind the wheel while intoxicated you place yourself at a great risk of taking someone's life and possibly your own, whether in a car, on foot or on a motorcycle.

As a result of my actions, I am now facing the following: Loss of my driving privileges on- and off-base; court and lawyer fee's exceeding $5,000; raised insurance rates; tarnished reputation among my fellow Airmen; and serious damage to my Air Force career. Nothing compares to the embarrassment that follows being picked up by your supervisor and First Sergeant and later standing tall trying to explain your actions to the wing commander. Your commander may also take administrative action against you. Keep all of these consequences in the forefront of your mind when thinking about driving drunk. Let me assure you, it is not worth it.

If you think this situation can't happen to you, think again! The Air Force has a zero tolerance policy on drinking and driving and will take appropriate action against all who violate this policy. So if you're planning on going out to have a good time or have a beer or two, remember to have a sound game plan that doesn't include you getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Having a good wingman while going out to have fun may not only save your life, but others as well. Please heed my advice as a lesson learned and do not make the same poor choice I did. If you have any questions pertaining to the consequences of being arrested for driving under the influence, contact the legal office at 828-4421 or the local Area Defense Counsel office at 828-4455. Thank you for your time and attention.