Squadron stays DUI free for 16 years

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew McGovern
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  There are many records that were once considered untouchable such as Hank Aarons' 755 home runs. 

However, one Team Travis squadron hopes their record is never broken. 

The Airmen of the 60th Contracting Squadron have maintained a record of zero incidents for an astounding 16 years. 

"Over the past 16 years the men and women of the 60th Contracting Squadron have taken on an organizational challenge to remain DUI free," said Lt. Col. Christopher Williams, 60th CONS commander. 

Airmen from the squadron accept this challenge after hearing about the unfortunate event where a former 60th CONS squadron commander's son was a fatal victim of a drunk driver. 

Sixteen years ago, the 60th CONS commander, Col. Byard Bower, was driving home with his wife and three children. The colonel turned left onto Air Base Parkway from Peabody. A drunk driver ran a red light and t-boned his van. Colonel Bower's son Brian had a ruptured intestine; his daughter Nichole suffered brain damage. His seven-year-old son Nick, who was closest to the impact, died a day later. 

"Out of respect for the commander's loss, each member of the unit unselfishly committed themselves to remain DUI free," said Colonel Williams. 

The squadron's Airmen either use the Airmen Against Drunk Driving telephone hotline, or set-up designated drivers if they plan on going somewhere to drink. 

"The squadron has bonded together like a family. Everyone looks out for each other," said Staff Sgt. Iman Dillard, 60th CONS contracting specialist. 

"When we go out as a group on a Friday or Saturday night, we establish a designated driver before we leave the house. Whoever is chosen as a DD knows their responsibilities for that night," she added. 

Airman 1st Class Joseph Hoh, 60th CONS, has been a designated driver four times.
"All the contracting Airmen know they can contact me, because I am the only person under 21 in our squadron," said Airman Hoh. 

Besides helping with designated driver duties, Airmen Hoh has intervened when a friend was about to make a poor decision. 

"I went out to eat with some of my friends and a couple of them had been drinking. While we were leaving, my intoxicated friend got his keys out and was getting ready to drive. I approached him and said it would be a good idea for him to let the sober person drive. He didn't want to let me drive at first, but we persuaded him to give up his keys," said Airman Hoh. 

The squadron's leadership is pleased with the efforts of Airman Hoh and others like him. 

"I would like to say I am extremely proud of the men and women of the 60th Contracting Squadron to attain such a tremendous achievement," said Colonel Williams. "This is just one of many examples demonstrating the professionalism of the 60th CONS."