Beale Airmen Against Drunk Driving

BAADD is such a well known initiative in place at Beale AFB that it is one of the first compulsory in-processing briefings that they must attend when they first arrive at Beale AFB. After the initial snickering dies down when the speaker introduces BAADD and gives personnel a number to call if they “ever need a BAADD driver”, reality sets in that this is not in the least bit funny.

BAADD is able to function because of the many men and women who volunteer to give up their free time, evenings and weekends to drive people home after they have been drinking, even if they have just had the one drink. There is no shame in admitting that you have not picked out a designated driver for the evening and that you are in need of assistance. BAADD is there to help anyone, regardless of their rank, time in service or age get back home safely without having to worry about what to do about a ride.

As the BAADD representatives are quick to point out, they would rather take someone home legally than hear of how the first sergeant was woken up out of bed at 1:00am to go by the local police station and deal with a military member who has broken the law and driven while under the influence of alcohol. Those who survive have placed their whole career in jeopardy.

If you are stationed at Beale AFB and you know that you will be drinking, but you have not got a contingency plan in place for the evening, make sure that you call BAADD at (530) 634-5555 and arrange for a volunteer to come pick you up.

People who make use of BAADD will not have to answer for why they have not arranged for a designated driver to take them home or listen to a lecture on how irresponsible they are for not having a pre-arranged designated driver. Nor will they be treated like criminals. Calling BAADD is actually the responsible thing to do when there are no set plans in place to get home safely. Overcoming embarrassment and making that one phone call can save lives.