FORT CARSON, Colo. -- The program has only been in place since Dec. 31, 2014, but already the No DUI Response Team has lowered the numbers of DUIs involving Soldiers. For the first two months of 2015, there were 12 fewer DUIs than the same period of 2014.

"We're not going to stop DUIs. We know that," said Ed Menjivar, Army Substance Abuse Program prevention coordinator. "But the numbers are going down, and that's what we're hoping for."

"As long as we prevent one (DUI), it's worth it," said Anthony McCollin, ASAP prevention coordinator.

With more than 100 program volunteers, 661 people received rides during the first quarter.

"Think about that, 661 people got home safe. They didn't get a DUI. They didn't kill somebody. They didn't kill themselves," Menjivar said.

The program, which runs Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., is run by Fort Carson to support Fort Carson, he said. Additional nights are available over some long weekends, as well.

"We'll take anybody who has a (Department of Defense-issued) identification card," Menjivar said. "We also take you home whether you have a car or not."

The program covers all of the Colorado Springs area, from Research Parkway to Fountain and Manitou Springs to Marksheffel Road, and relies on volunteer drivers who team up in pairs, with one driver available to drive the partygoer's car home.

"Those volunteers are doing great things … we've got officers who are volunteering. We've got enlisted. We have civilians," Menjivar said.

Sgt. Alexis Smith, Company E, 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, has been volunteering since the first week in January. Smith was looking for a way to give back after getting a ride home from another

DUI-prevention program.

"When I found out they were setting up this program, and they asked for an NCO to take charge, I said, 'I'll help out because the other program helped me out,'" she said.

Smith volunteers almost every weekend, except when she's in the field.

"You get to meet a lot of people because we have different people from units across the entire post, people that I would never see if I didn't volunteer," she said.

The hours spent volunteering also count towards the volunteer service medal.

"It is rewarding," Smith said. "You've got (some) people who, you can tell they're really thankful. You can hear it in their voice when you pick them up. 'Thank you guys. Thank you so much for helping me out. I didn't know what I was going to do.' They really appreciate it."

The program also supports unit functions, such as balls. Recently, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, recognized the volunteers who supported their ball.

While there have been enough volunteers to cover the needs so far, Menjivar is always looking for more help.

"One thing we're trying to get is NCOs to be in charge. They don't have to do it every weekend," he said. "Another goal is to have more (Family members) volunteer. The more volunteers we have, the better. That way people can get a break."

The program is available to any Soldier, regardless of age, but civilians must be 21 to receive a ride home.

"What we do with civilian minors is, we stay with them and try and get a phone number to call somebody because we can't take them home," Menjivar said.

With the No DUI Response Team, there's no excuse for a DUI.

"There's just too many ways of getting home after a night of drinking and a DUI should not happen," McCollin said.