“30 for 30” Challenge: Making the right choice when it counts the most

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Suzanne Talbert
  • 30th Space Wing command chief
Alcohol Awareness Month kicked-off Sunday around the nation with a focus on making healthy choices for healthy communities. Bringing that theme closer to home, on March 23 we announced our "30 for 30" challenge: 30th Space Wing military personnel were given a challenge to reach April 30, 2012 without an alcohol related incident. We invite all of Team Vandenberg to be a part of this challenge.

The "30 for 30" challenge was announced during a wing-wide intervention aimed at stopping the developing trend of alcohol related incidents here. Make no mistake, when alcohol is involved, people--and situations--can sometimes get out of hand. Don't be that guy or that gal who causes the next alcohol related incident--have a plan and make the right choice.

We need to remember what we have learned when we have already had a few drinks. In small doses, alcohol produces effects that are sometimes perceived as stimulating, such as increased talkativeness, mild euphoria and reduced inhibitions. At higher doses, loss of coordination, slurred speech, mood swings, deep-sleep loss and memory loss can occur.

Before drinking, everyone knows about these effects of alcohol and understands the extreme danger of drinking and driving. Before drinking, everybody says or thinks, "I'm not going to be that guy--I've got a plan." Before drinking, you get it, but it isn't until after you start drinking when you have to make that most critical choice of all: when to execute "Plan A."

Your plan A must have three options: calling a friend, catching a ride, or staying at a location or hotel until the alcohol has had the time to clear your system. Remember, on average, a drink is a 12-ounce beer, a 1.5-ounce shot, or a 5-ounce glass of wine. One drink takes two hours, on average, to metabolize, and there isn't a mint, a stick of gum, or a cup of coffee out there that speeds up the process. Plan accordingly. Take the time or catch a ride--there is no "Plan B."

Nobody is exempt from the dangers of alcohol, and we all have to be good wingmen to all who serve, no matter the rank or the service. The Air Force is a family and we need to look out for our family. Maintaining high standards and acting as good wingmen to those around us helps reinforce good resiliency.

Remember the "30 for 30" challenge. Great start Vandenberg: You can do it!