DVIDS – News – DUI Stories Ep. 2: ‘Small mistakes lead to big consequences’

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Wrapped in an uncomfortable, scratchy wool blanket on a worn carpet, I sat in a jail cell wondering where I had gone wrong. I wondered what had driven me to start the car that night and how I was going to recover from this.

On Friday, December 9, 2022, I attended a squadron Christmas party in Altus, Oklahoma, and got a DUI that took away many of my benefits as a military member. Since then, I have worked hard to recover from my mistake and do right by the leaders who supported me during a difficult time.

The night started with five of my teammates and I getting ready for the Christmas party, which turned into three hours of partying with my squad. After the event, some friends and I continued the festivities at a local bar near my apartment.

I felt alert enough to drive, so that’s exactly what I did. I drove to my apartment which was less than half a mile from the bar. The short distance gave me false confidence.

As I was pulling into a parking spot at my apartment complex, I saw police lights behind me. I didn’t think they were for me, but I was surprised to see the officer approach my car and tell me I was speeding.

The officer said he smelled alcohol and made me take some sobriety tests, which I thought I passed with flying colors. In reality, my test results, combined with a blood alcohol level of .11, ended with me being handcuffed and taken to jail.

While I was in the uncomfortable cell, I had a lot of time to reflect on the decisions that led me there and what might happen next. I thought that my next permanent job change was going to be cancelled and I knew that my career was going to undergo a drastic change.

After spending the night in a holding cell, my first sergeant picked me up and assured me that the leaders would support me as best they could.

The week after the DUI, I reported to my commanding officer and that’s when I felt the administrative repercussions. I was demoted from senior airman to airman first class, received a letter of reprimand, and was given a reference on my enlisted performance report.

These consequences delayed my promotion eligibility for 20 months, prevented me from using tuition assistance for my education for one year, and revoked my basic driving privileges for one year. On top of everything, my civil court and attorney fees amounted to about $5,000.

I think about what I would do if I could go back and do it all over again all the time. Such a small mistake brought with it so many consequences and everything could have been avoided.

There were many options I could have chosen. I had coworkers who would have gladly given me a ride, I could have called a cab or even walked home. By choosing to drive under the influence, I put the safety of others at risk and it is not worth it.

Do not drink and drive. Call Airman Against Drunk Driving at 0152-5172-3356 on Fridays, Saturdays and holiday weekends from 11pm to 5am for a free ride.