KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The number of rides provided by Kirtland Against Drunk Driving decreased last year, and organizers say it's a good thing.

KADD volunteers gave 396 free rides to base community members who'd had too much to drink in 2015, compared to 420 rides in 2014 and 1,828 in 2009.

"Its focus is not to be anybody's plan A, B or C," said KADD coordinator Master Sgt. Michael Rumora.

KADD is meant to be a last resort for Airmen and base civilians to get home safely if other
plans fall through, he said. So, he attributes the decreasing numbers to more people making solid plans to get home safely after drinking, which was always the goal.

"But it's still there, saving people and potentially saving lives," Rumora said.

Kirtland Airmen and civilians donate their time and vehicles, driving more than 3,300 miles last year. Each unit and organization on base takes a turn providing volunteers.

"The volunteers are key," Rumora said.

He estimates 500-plus people help out every year.

Master Sgt. Shawn Hardesty, backup KADD coordinator, said the program would fail without volunteers.

Rumora and Hardesty believe KADD had a hand in decreasing the instances of DWI among Kirtland personnel from 2014 to 2015.

According to numbers Rumora provided, total DWI charges for KAFB military members, civilian employees and contractors decreased from 37 in 2014 to 28 in 2015, a change of almost 30 percent. For military personnel, DWIs dropped by nearly 59 percent from 17 to 7.

KADD runs from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Hardesty said a room in a base dorm serves as headquarters. A volunteer acts as dispatcher and at least four others make pick-ups in pairs.

Rumora said the program technically operates within 25 miles of base, but volunteers can go farther at their discretion. If an intoxicated person needs a ride too far away,
volunteers recommend the city's free Tavern Taxi or Uber ridesharing service.

For safety, there's always a driver and an escort, and volunteers don't have to pick up someone if the situation seems dangerous or the would-be client is belligerent. At least one woman works each night so female clients feel comfortable.

Rumora is thankful the base comes together to provide KADD.

"It's part of our culture. Just about every base provides something similar," he said.

Master Sgt. Kurt VanWagenen also helps coordinate KADD. To request a ride during KADD hours, call 853-8888. To volunteer or for information, email Rumora at michael.rumora@us.af.mil or Hardesty at shawn.hardesty.1@us.af.mil.