Azores' Alcohol Awareness Day puts partying in perspective

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shannon Ofiara
  • Det. 6, Air Force News Agency
LAJES FIELD, Azores (AFNEWS) --  As the last of the 21 gun shots faded, Taps sounded. A somber voice recited, "On behalf of the President of the United States, please accept this flag."

Although the flag was draped over an empty coffin, the intent was to bring to life the fact that alcohol kills.

Alcohol Awareness Day at Lajes Field, Azores, included not only a mock funeral, but also a demonstration of an Airman getting pulled over for driving under the influence and a first responders using the "jaws of life" to extract bodies from a wrecked vehicle. Information booths were provided even more information on the alcohol awareness to Airmen.

"We have recently seen an increase in alcohol-related incidents here at Lajes Field," said Capt. Lisa Tauai, the event coordinator. "That's why we wanted to collectively come together as a team and have a really great event to educate our population on the dangers of alcohol abuse."

Airman 1st Class Clinton Skrdla was one of the many spectators in the audience who left with a little more on his mind than before.

"Everyone feels the loss at a small base like this," Airman Skrdla said. "If someone goes out, does something stupid, and ends up getting killed by drinking, it causes all kinds of grief for everyone."

Alcohol awareness is a key message in today's Air Force because alcohol-related incidents not only impact the lives of Airmen, but also the Air Force mission. "Alcohol hurts," said Col. Jeffrey Derrick, 65th Air Base Wing vice commander. "It maims, it ruins people's careers, it ruins family lives, and it has a tremendous impact on the Air Force mission."

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