Surprise award for outstanding wingman

Chief Master Sgt. Paul Henderson, 27th Special Operations Wing command chief, and fellow Air Commandos gathered for an unannounced award presentation recognizing an avionics troop May 9 at Cannon Air Force Base.

U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Paul Henderson, 27th Special Operations Wing command chief, presents Staff Sgt. Stephen Ross, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron avionics, with the Airmen Against Drunk Driving Volunteer of the Quarter award May 9 in the Drop Zone at Cannon Air Force Base. Ross contributed more than 300 hours of service and saved more than a dozen wingmen from resorting to driving under the influence during the months of January through March.

Staff Sgt. Stephen Ross, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, was presented with Cannon's first Airmen Against Drunk Driving quarterly award for his many efforts in support of the organization.

Ross, who officially signed up as an AADD member in January, instantly became more than an avid volunteer; he contributed more than 300 hours of service and saving more than a dozen wingmen from resorting to driving under the influence in the months from January to March.

"I had no idea I was even being considered for such an award," said Ross. "It meant a lot for me to show airmen that dedication to something worthwhile is worth the effort."

The AADD program isn't a loophole for poor planning, nor does it encourage drinking in any way; however, it does offer airmen stationed at Cannon a safe, last-resort alternative to get home safely when initial plans fall through.

"It's an honor and privilege to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to the safety and well-being of our Air Commandos and surrounding communities," Ross continued. "I like the fact that the AADD offers our troops a service to help them avoid any mishaps."

The airman-run program pulls volunteers from across the base. Members of every career field and rank are able to support the AADD program and give their time in support of the wingman concept — with this service available, no one should ever drive drunk.

"I know that the AADD really does make a difference; I've heard it from the mouths of those who have used the service," Ross stated. "Doing the right thing is never a burden, and that's how I see helping out with the program; it's just my way of doing the right thing."

For more information about the AADD, visit their website or call 575-784-2233.