MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A green ribbon flutters on a car windshield wiper Nov. 23. This symbol marks Misawa's 15th Annual Green Ribbon Campaign, reminding commanders to encourage responsible decisions by informing their Airmen about the many alternatives to drinking and driving. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Lt. Col. Aaron Steffens, 35th Fighter Wing chief of safety, delivers opening statements at the 15th Annual Green Ribbon Campaign in front of the Base Exchange Nov. 23. Leadership from across the base tied green ribbons on the cars, reminding people not to drink and drive. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. John Rorie, Monkeys Against Drunk Driving, ties an oversized green ribbon on the car antenna of Chief Master Sgt. Russell Hastings, 35th Fighter Wing command chief master sergeant, in the Base Exchange parking lot Nov. 23. M.A.D.D., an organization from the 35th Maintenance Squadron, provides free rides home to the Misawa Air Base community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Col. RC Craig, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, ties a green ribbon on a car in the Commissary parking lot Nov. 23. Colonel Craig talked to everyone he crossed paths with about the Green Ribbon Campaign to spread awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)
by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
11/24/2009 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- 35th Fighter Wing leadership gathered outside the Base Exchange Nov. 23, kicking-off the 15th Annual Green Ribbon Campaign.
Chiefs, commanders and other senior leaders tied green ribbons onto vehicle antennae or windshield wipers serving as a visual reminder for each driver not to drink and drive.
"It's like the old adage of having a ribbon on the finger," said Senior Master Sgt. Steven Tuggle, 35th Maintenance Squadron accessories flight chief. "It's a reminder to have a plan before they get in the car and go to the party."
Each holiday season, there is typically a spike of alcohol-related incidents in the U.S. according to the National Highway Traffic Administration.
"Back home in the States, almost 40 percent of fatal crashes that occur during the actual holidays of Christmas and New Year's involve alcohol," said Lt. Col. Aaron Steffens, 35th Fighter Wing chief of safety. "For the rest of late November through January, the percentage is about 28 percent."
The campaign provides an opportune time for leaders to talk to Airmen about remaining responsible over the winter months, added Colonel Steffens.
"The goal of the campaign is to get commanders, supervisors, first sergeants, to just talk to their folks -- to interact with them and to let them know that they care," said Colonel Steffens. "There are a tremendous number of options for people here at Misawa during the holiday season."
Several taxi services and volunteer organizations including the 35th Maintenance Squadron's Monkeys Against Drunk Driving offer Airmen a reliable, safe ride home year-round.
Last year's Green Ribbon Campaign was exceptionally successful, said Col. RC Craig, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander. He congratulated the Airmen at the kick-off ceremony, citing that the wing has gone more than 130 days without a DUI.
"We've had positive culture change at Misawa over the past four months that has permeated through every rank in the enlisted and officer corps, which equates to Airmen taking care of Airmen," said Colonel Craig. "That's a story needing to be told. It is because of the good work by all team Misawa that we have made DUIs unacceptable."
