Have a plan; save your career

by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

10/19/2012 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- In July, Senior Airman Stephen Nubin made a choice that would affect the rest of his career. After coming back from a night downtown with his friends, he decided to drive home. He drove on base and decided to pull over when he got to clothing sales.

However, the damage was already done. He was stopped by Security Forces and was issued a field sobriety test. He didn't pass.

Eventually, he was charged with driving under the influence and was demoted to his new rank, A1C, put on restriction to base for 45 days and given extra duties for the same time period.

"My biggest regret was putting my friend who was in the car with me in danger, along with others who were out that night and possibly risking their lives," said Nubin.

Whether it's coming home after a party downtown or coming back from a friend's house after a night of drinking, having a plan can save you from making the decision to drive and jeopardize your career while affecting the safety of yourself and others.

Take it from Pvt. Bryan King, former Army specialist, who drove home and hit a snow bank. Once Security Forces took him back to file the report, King was issued a field sobriety test. He also failed.

King said that he is glad that it was a snow bank that stopped his car and not another person, because it could have been a lot worse.

When considering getting behind the wheel after drinking, think about the affect it could have on others. If you hit someone and injure them or take their life, is it something you want to live with for the rest of your life?

Putting yourself in that position should never be an option. Consequences, whether career ending or not, are sure to follow if the choice is made.

Having a good plan is the first step in preventing a DUI, and as long as you stick to your plan, DUIs can be avoided.

"I had a plan and didn't follow the plan and because of that, I won't be in the military much longer," said King.

If your plan does fall through, there are many resources on base to help you so you can have a new plan: a safe ride home. With resources such as Americans Against Drunk Driving and Kichi Taxi Service, there is no reason to get a DUI.

Kichi Taxi always has multiple taxis lined up at the Exchange parking lot on the weekends, while A2D2 is one phone call away. By calling A2D2 at 226-2232, you can get a safe ride home free of charge.

"There are a lot of services on base and if you don't have any money, there are free ways to get home," said King. "Even a 20 dollar cab ride is a lot cheaper then what you could possibly pay for with a DUI."