Airmen learn about responsible drinking

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Free wine, food and round-trip transportation to an Italian vineyard was hard to resist for Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Oct. 19. 

More than 30 young Airmen and wing leadership were invited as guests of Sergio Gelisi, owner of a local winery and 31st Services Squadron honorary commander. Local Italian police and Carabinieri, the San Quirino mayor and other honorary commanders were also in attendance. 

The goal of the event was to teach Airmen how to enjoy the Italian culture responsibly and how wine can affect a person's judgment. Police were on hand to administer breathalyzer tests to the Airmen at the end of the evening. The tests were used to show the Airmen how much alcohol they had in their system and to give them a better understanding of how to stay within their limits. 

"This test makes you realize how much you're drinking," said Airman 1st Class Ian Seagle, 31st SVS. "Instead of reading the textbook, one glass per hour answer, you can experience what it's like firsthand and see the results." 

The Honorary Squadron Commanders Association wanted to take a new approach to a common problem throughout the world-drinking and driving. 

"We want to teach the Airmen about the taste of wine and for them to enjoy it in moderation," said Mr. Gelisi. "This should be an educational experience for them to learn about our culture, but also about the dangers of drinking and driving." 

Throughout the evening Airmen were treated to five different types of wine and various cheese, bread and meat. 

"We hope after this evening that something from this event will remain with them and will help them familiarize with our culture and to be safe," said Corrado Della Mattia, San Quirino mayor and former 31st Civil Engineer Squadron honorary commander. 

The local police shared the same sentiment and were happy to be part of the event.
"We hope they remember to always have a designated driver who won't drink or will drink very little," said Lt. Col. Massimo Sacchetto, Pordenone chief of traffic police. "We are happy to have them here tonight and hope they enjoy our country." 

As the evening came to a close, Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 31st Fighter Wing commander, encouraged the Airmen to share the information they learned from the evening. 

"This event is meant to show them their own personal limit, but then our intent is for them to go back to their squadrons during commanders call's and talk about this experience and what they learned," General Franklin said. "Hopefully, they'll share this experience with others all across the base." 

For Airman Seagle, it's quite simple. 

"Know your limits," he said. "And if you drink at all, don't drive."