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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A Mothers Against Drunk Driving representative had a sobering message for Team Vandenberg during a visit here June 30 prior to the long Independence Day weekend ahead.
Tina Pasco, the executive director for the Los Angeles - Ventura County Chapter of M.A.D.D, spoke to members of the 30th Operations Group about the dangers of driving while under the influence.
"When a servicemember gets arrested for a DUI, the public will attach their perception to your uniform," said Ms. Pasco. "Driving sober is your choice, and it is a choice you have to make, it can't be trained into you and your commander can't make it for you."
The choice to drive impaired affects everyone involved. The impacts of impaired driving can also cost thousands of dollars in fines.
"It takes nine hours for alcohol to process out of your body," said Ms. Pasco. "Drive sober every single time, that is the only way you can handle a 3,500 pound vehicle traveling at 40 - 60 mph and guarantee that you and everyone else around you is going to be safe."
Tina became involved with M.A.D.D when her 21-year-old sister was struck and killed by a driver that was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine in 1983. This preventable event was the catalyst for her 30-year career with M.A.D.D.
"A taxi ride costs $30, a DUI costs about $14,000," Said Ms. Pasco. "You have the power to save lives - starting with your own."