Drink Smart campaign

Published May 4, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- One of Malmstrom's main priorities is taking care of Airmen and families. Within that spectrum comes a broad area of operations, from offering courses on how to communicate better with a spouse to hosting events and campaigns to educate Airmen on the dangers of drinking alcohol irresponsibly.

Malmstrom's Drink Smart campaign is focused on the topic of alcohol education.

"The Drink Smart campaign is designed to make sure our Airmen are knowledgeable drinkers so they can make smart choices," said Master Sgt. Micheal Filipovich, 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant. "The program is also providing them opportunities to get counseling and briefings, avoid life situations that cause undue stress, and address DUIs."

The number of DUIs at Malmstrom have increased, causing the base to seek ways to educate Airmen on best practices when consuming alcohol.

"This year, the wing has already seen an increase in the number of DUIs and alcohol related incidents," said Filipovich. "Our goal is to arm our Airmen with knowledge so they can be their own best advocate."

The program is focused on subject education in the form of educational events and personal awareness activities.

The campaign addresses making good choices, having a plan and a backup plan, knowing where to go for help with alcohol-related issues and to be a good wingman to fellow peers.

"I hope members of Malmstrom learn to cope with stressful situations, identify agencies where they can seek help and be better prepared to be a wingman," said Filipovich.

The campaign emphasizes that sometimes life can be overwhelming, causing an Airman to make poor choices in regards to using alcohol.

According to Filipovich, Drink Smart educates Airmen on which agencies are available to help and how to cope in their lives before they get overwhelmed.

"Our message is that alcohol is usually a symptom of other issues," said Filipovich. "If we can help our Airmen to cope or seek help when needed, we can help them to make smarter choices."

As part of the campaign, the base hosted a Live or Die event, a DUI production depicting the possible outcomes of an Airman making the choice to drive drunk.

In the simulated event, an Airman drove under the influence of alcohol, got into an accident which killed his girlfriend and went through the procedures of receiving charges for his crime and poor choices. The production also drew attention to the deceased woman's family and friends by simulating her funeral.

Drink Smart has several events scheduled to run periodically through June 2. Airmen have a chance to earn points to win prizes, based off event attendance and demonstrating the ability to understand the dangers of poor judgment when dealing with alcohol.

Upcoming Drink Smart events include a discussion "Binge Drinking/What is a standard Drink" April 28 at 9:30 a.m. in the Building 3080 auditorium, and a spouse readiness presentation at 10 a.m. through the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

"I have seen some great people make poor decisions," said Filipovich. "I want to give the members of this wing the best chance to solve problems and make smart decisions when they are out drinking."

Additional points can be earned through the following upcoming Drink Smart events:

-Visit the 341st Medical Group and get a BodPod calculation completed
-Visit Tracie Faulk at the Airman and Family Readiness Center for a credit report and score. Call 731-4900 for an appointment.
-Airmen can sign pledge sheets located at the fitness center, dining facility and AFRC (once per week per location).
-Volunteer for Airmen Against Drunk Driving.
-Attend Drink Smart endorsed courses and events.
-Hand out AADD cards at the base gate.
-Provide an informed briefing within units about the dangers of alcohol misuse or DUIs (validated by first sergeant).