DUI: Careers, futures ruined by DUIs – Court-martial, Article 15, injury, death

  • Published
  • By Jamie Haig
  • 1st SOW Commander
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Thinking about getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking too much? Think again; your career will be in jeopardy.

Tech. Sgt. Donald McKnight, 6th Special Operations Squadron, was court-martialed last week for driving while intoxicated and drunken disorderly conduct.

He was sentenced to 60 days confinement, a reduction to senior airman, forfeiture of $1,000 for two months and a reprimand.

This was Sergeant McKnight's second court-martial for an alcohol related incident. He's been in the Air Force for more than 18 years.

"He lost a stripe in October at the first court-martial," said Staff Sgt. Jacob Wolf, 1st Special Operations Wing paralegal. "This time he lost more."

According to the legal office, Sergeant McKnight was arrested in November for driving while intoxicated, and became disorderly after being taken to the Eglin Air Force Base Hospital.

He has been working at the recycling center since his release from the facility.

Col. Norman Brozenick Jr., 1st SOW wing commander's policy is no DUIs - period.

But when an Airman does have too much to drink, whether stationed here or temporarily deployed, they can call Airmen Against Drunk Driving for a free ride home. The service is anonymous and there is no reprimand or reporting process involved. The number is 884-8844.

Further, every squadron was directed to have a wingman program to take care of our own, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Squadron wingmen will also provide rides to those who have had too much to drink.

"It has never been acceptable to drive while intoxicated and it will not be tolerated here," said Chief Master Sgt. James Kradel, 1st SOW acting command chief.

Hurlburt Field supports the 0-0-1-3 methodology. The simple code means "0" drinks for those below age 21 and "0" DUIs.

The 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron will catch Airmen who attempt to drink and drive onto the base or while on Hurlburt Field.

"We've got state-of-the-art training and equipment that can detect when Airmen have been drinking," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Pearson, 1st SOSFS. "We will catch you."

Bottom line - don't drink and drive.