Not on our watch

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jack Braden
  • Air Force Print News
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  Sirens scream as emergency vehicles approach the scene of a car crash. A distraught teen runs around the scene frantically. Several people are injured in the crash, and a lifeless body lies sprawled on the hood of the car.

Fortunately for the driver, this is only a reenactment. The real thing could have cost her 30 years behind bars. 

Several hundred high school seniors from Brevard County, Fla., witnessed the demonstration at Patrick Air Force Base. It was the first day of Operation NOW -- Not on Our Watch -- a graphic, three-hour, in-your-face program showing the tragic results of bad choices and the consequences of careless driving. It is designed to shock high school seniors into being safer drivers. 

Senior Master Sgt. Rene Rubiella, an HC-130 radio operator with the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., is the Operation NOW project coordinator. He lost his daughter, Allie, on April 9, 2005, when she was killed in a collision with another vehicle. 

“Everyday I relive the moment I had to say good-bye to Allie,” Sergeant Rubiella said. “No parent should have to go through that.” 

Col. Timothy Tarchick, former 920th commander, asked Sergeant Rubiella if he was interested in putting together the Operation NOW program after seeing a smaller version at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. 

“The biggest difference is that the Niagara Falls event reached hundreds of students,” Sergeant Rubiella said. “We are going to try reaching 7,000 students and we are holding the event over three days to do that.” 

Two hangars on base were used for presentations, as well as numerous information booths and 10 wrecked cars spread across the airfield. Volunteers at the booths talked about seatbelt and cell phone use, and impaired and aggressive driving. 

At one of the hangar presentations, Jim Wilson, training officer for the Melbourne Fire Department, showed graphic images of victims and accident scenes that could have been avoided.

“We are walking a fine line between making kids sick and educating them,” Mr. Wilson said. “We want them to understand the consequences of their decisions.” 

After the crash scenario, Sergeant Rubiella told the students driving was a privilege, not a given right, and said it came down to three words.

“Every single day, every single moment, you’re going to have choices, decisions and consequences,” Sergeant Rubiella said.

“If you don’t start waking up and taking responsibility,” he said, pointing at the wrecked cars, “this is going to be your consequence. I can’t get any more clear than that.” 

“I believe everyone took something away,” said Trish Rivera, a high school senior. “I hope they take it to heart. When I have kids, I will sit them down every day and talk to them about the whole thing. If they still have this program, I will sign their permission slip and take them personally.” 

As a closing reminder the students were asked to pass by eight coffins that represent eight of their classmates killed in Brevard County in the last year. The goal for Sergeant Rubiella and Operation NOW is that no more coffins be added to the eight.