Yes, you’re brave enough to go to war . . . Published Feb. 18, 2010 By Chaplain Linda Olson 60th Air Mobility Wing Chaplain TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. -- Sometimes we think we should be able to handle everything in our lives - all our problems, all the stress of life and the use of alcohol on top of that. We are vulnerable when we drink; ignoring that reality leaves you more vulnerable to risking your own death or killing someone else. Somehow we've gotten the idea it's not ok to stand up to someone in order to save their life. Why is it we can go to war, cover a buddy with weapon fire if needed, but we can't --- rather won't --- confront him or her and take the car keys to save a life? Let's think this through and find the courage needed to stand up and cover a life in danger of alcohol's destructive power. Taking the keys from a drunk driver I had to do this once and it's not easy but I saved my friend's life - she thanked me in the morning. When I watched my friend stagger down the middle of a city street after we left the restaurant, all I could see in my head was her beautiful red car smashed up on the highway and me attending her funeral! That was it - I was getting the keys. The first area of the brain to be affected by alcohol is the area that controls judgment. Once a person starts to drink, reason and judgment go out the window. Trying to reason with my friend was out of the question - she thought she was fine. Alcohol also gives a person a false sense of ability. They really believe they aren't as drunk as you think and are capable of driving safely. My friend told me I was crazy, that she could drive and would be fine, but I was sober and she was staggering and slurring her words and flailing her arms in the air - you know the scene. Because she was drunk, I was able to calmly insist she just give me her keys and I'd get her home - then I grabbed the keys right out of her hand. I know this might seem abrupt and like I was somehow infringing on her freedom to drive, but I couldn't get the image of her smashed car and her funeral out of my mind. I didn't care if she hated me the rest of her life - I was going to be sure she had a life in the morning. Friends who plan to drink can agree beforehand how they will get home safely. If a decision's made before you go out drinking, chances are you'll stick with that decision. Remember, it can take a long time for someone to sober up. Alcohol has to be metabolized by the liver and that takes time. Hot coffee will not work. Some bars promote designated driver programs by providing free soft drinks, appetizers and other premiums to the designated driver. They can join in the party with the rewards, stay sober and get their friends home. Ask about these programs and contact Airmen Against Drunk Driving (AADD's hours are 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday through Saturday) at 424-2233 or call a taxi service at 707-449-8294. You can e-mail AADD for more information about their programs at: aadd@travis.mil. Last resort, if you can't get the keys and no other option is available -- call the police. They would rather prevent a drunk from getting behind the wheel than to respond to the scene of an alcohol-related crash. If the situation becomes heated and feelings are hurt, which was the case with my friend, remember after the person sobers up and reasoning returns, it will probably all be quickly forgotten. Remember, a temporary loss of friendship is preferable to the permanent loss of a friend through a drunk-driving crash. Find your courage. Keep yourself and your friends alive. "A wingman won't let another Airman drive drunk!