"30 for 30" Challenge:This cannot happen Published April 6, 2012 By Col. Matt Carroll 30th Space Wing Chief of Safety VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- This cannot happen! But it is. The rate at which Vandenberg personnel have been involved in alcohol related incidents has been increasing at an alarming rate this year. Since January, three airmen have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Adding those to the already high number of DUIs and ARIs in 2011, the trend is going in the wrong direction. Fortunately, Vandenberg has not experienced a fatality, but statistics will tell you that a sharp increase in the number of incidents involving the misuse of alcohol is a precursor to tragedy. This cannot happen! Reviewing the recent history of DUIs, the most likely violator is a 21 to 26-year-old male, in pay grade E-1 to E-5. But they are not alone. All of us are at risk for making a poor decision; the list of recent offenders also includes a senior noncommissioned officers, officers and civilians. The college towns of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara have elevated risk for base personnel due to their distant location and increased police presence. Higher still is the city of Lompoc, right in our own backyard! This is where your wingman is supposed to make a difference. This is where simple advance planning can help reverse or eliminate this dangerous trend. The basic truth for everyone is undeniable. If the use of alcohol is included in your social activities, whether it's one drink or four, you are at risk. You are at risk of being the next member of Team Vandenberg who is arrested, injured or involved in a fatal accident! April is Alcohol Awareness Month. That is not just a slogan or an event on a calendar. It is a challenge to each of you to listen, learn, heed and make a difference. Listen to the information and advice you'll receive over the coming month to avoid alcohol-related problems. Learn from the mistakes of others. Heed the need to protect yourself and your friends/family from potentially horrendous results of poor choices. Make a difference by developing designated driver agreements among friends, making plans to stay at a motel if you are away from home, or keeping the phone number for Airmen Against Drunk Driving (605-2233 or 606-2233; AADD=2233) and using it should the need arise. Two weeks ago, Col. Nina Armagno, 30th Space Wing commander, announced the "30 for 30" challenge. If the 30th Space Wing can go from now until 30th of April without a DUI or ARI, wing personnel will receive a time-off reward! But don't lose sight of the real prize, which is to stop this escalating trend. It will take a cooperative effort for all wing personnel to act as true wingmen by watching out for themselves and their friends. This is the time to make a difference for the person about to make a poor choice about alcohol. 30 for 30 for the month of April. This can happen!