6th ARS DUI free nine years Published May 7, 2008 By Nick DeCicco 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 6th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis has not had an arrested an Airman for driving under the influence in more than nine years. Despite the rise in active duty and civilian employee DUIs in 2007, and considering there are 150-plus people in the 6th ARS, the streak is even more surprising. Maj. Ed Grundel, flight commander and KC-10 Extender aircraft commander, said that more important than the streak is the safety of the unit's members. "I don't think the goal was ever stressed," said Major Grundel about his arrival at Travis, which was about one year ago. "What was stressed was the importance of making responsible decisions and having a plan." Relying on others in the squadron is emphsized by Major Grundel, who added that the size of the squadron is part of what makes the streak impressive. No one can accuse the unit of not having a certain type of demographic represented, he said. "This squadron represents everything from the 18-year-old Airman up to the senior, 20-year NCO that's getting ready to retire," he said. "Nobody can look at us and say, 'Oh, you don't have the young Airmen that we have in our unit' or you don't have this demographic or you don't have that demographic." Senior Master Sgt. Dave Murphy, 6th ARS squadron flight engineer superintendent, said stressing the wingman concept is key to maintaining the nine-year streak. He said the squadron is "very fortunate" to have kept a blemish-free record for so long. As far as leading by example, Sergeant Murphy said he's not above giving a fellow squadron member a ride home if they need it. "I've picked up people, sure. You've got to practice what you preach," he said. "I've coordinated people who have been in a forward flying unit, so there have been people out of country who have called me and said, 'Hey, can you help me out?' So I helped them out by calling the local base, finding out about a taxi and getting them a ride. I don't necessarily think that they would've been behind the wheel, but at least I know that they were being taken care of by a reputable company." That's the type of attitude Major Grundel and Sergeant Murphy share and reiterate -- the entire team needs to look out for one another. "It's not just the squadron commander's responsibility or not just the flight commander's responsibility or the chief boom's responsibility, it's everybody's responsibility to look out for the people below them and the people above them," Major Grundel said. With looking out for one another also comes the added pressure of not wanting to be the one to break the streak, something that Airman would likely carry with him or her for the duration of one's service at Travis. "That's definitely something that would be a bad scarlet letter to have to wear if you were that guy," Major Grundel said with a laugh. "More importantly, we want to look out for the safety of our people. That's ultimately what we're concerned with." That's what the 6th ARS has been doing for more than nine years, a streak Major Grundel is confident the squadron will continue to keep going. "I don't think anybody in this unit has any questions that we'll be able to get that 10th year and we'll go on from there," he said.