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Operation Day Hawk supports drug-free environment
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- Airmen returned to work following a four-day holiday only to get selected for a random drug testing requirement here at Vandenberg.
The selection was part of "Operation Day Hawk," which is the 30th Space Wing Commanders' Drug Demand Reduction Program utilized to enforce a "drug-free community" here at Vandenberg.
"On Sept. 3, 'Operation Day Hawk' took steps at accomplishing just that, keeping Vandenberg AFB a drug-free community," said David Bedwell, Drug Demand Reduction Program manager. "We stationed First Sergeants at the Base Exchange, Gas Station and Base Gym to randomly choose military members for testing Tuesday afternoon. Everything went very well and we were pleased with the process and that nothing hampered our goal."
The DDRP is a comprehensive program chartered with the responsibility to make the Air Force a drug-free organization that promotes and supports education, community involvement, and social responsibility.
"DDRP is a two-fold program of deterrence through random drug testing and an outreach program, which educates folks on the avenues to choose rather than falling victim to drug use," Bedwell said.
The AF does not tolerate the illegal or improper use of drugs by AF personnel whether on or off duty. Illegal drug use is incompatible with military service and punishable under
the Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 112.
"The drug demand reduction program is important because it helps ensure we have Airmen who are ready to execute the mission," said Chief Master Sgt. Ryan Peterson, 30th Space Wing command chief.
Every base has a DDR program which is responsible for providing a drug-free Air Force.
"The DDR program is in place to ensure mission success, good order and discipline," said Capt. Laura Buchholtz, 30th Space Wing Judge Advocate officer. "Compliance with the program is mandatory, and driven by the requirement that we maintain the best quality members for our Air Force. Mr. David Bedwell and Mr. Steven Ingrahm have developed one of the most quality-driven programs I've seen in my eight year career, and I commend their efforts."
On any given night, after-hour drug testing can also occur at any of the installation's gates.
"Our primary focus for the Commanders' DDR program is to have a robust drug testing program available to test anytime of the day or night at the commanders' request," said Bedwell. "We have found that random drug testing is a strong deterrent."
For more information regarding the program you may contact the DDRP office at 606-2578.