FORT STEWART, Ga. - In an effort to reduce the numbers of drinking and driving incidences, the Marne Pride campaign was kicked-off at a proclamation ceremony held at Club Stewart's Grand Ball Room, Aug. 31. By signing a pledge, Third Infantry Division Soldiers make a promise that they will not drive while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that hinders driving ability.
After July's spike of alcohol-related occurrences, Marne Division has developed an anti-DUI campaign that aims to decrease alcohol-related incidences and informs Soldiers that their commanders are available to assist them.
"My expectation is that company commanders and their Soldiers will sign it," said Maj. Gen. Robert "Abe" Abrams, Third Infantry Division commander. "What the company commander does with it is up to them. I've seen a number of different ways. I've seen them displayed in orderly rooms. I've seen them displayed in platoon rooms. The key is that we have to make this pledge."
The Marne Pride, anti-drinking and driving pledge, entails the following:
Soldiers
I will drive safely . . . I will operate the vehicle safely and follow all laws and safety rules. I will wear my seatbelt at all times. I will not use a cell phone to talk or text message while driving.
I won't drive if I am impaired . . . I will not drive after drinking or using any chemical that would alter my ability to drive safely (including certain prescription drugs).
I won't get in the car with an unsafe driver . . . I will not ride with someone who is impaired because of alcohol or drugs (legal or not), or with someone I know is aggressive behind the wheel. I know that I can call someone for a ride any time I feel that I need to get out of an unsafe situation.
I will respect your rules . . . I will drive within the boundaries we've discussed.
I will call you . . . If I need a ride home, I can count on someone in my chain of command to either pick me up to make arrangements to have me picked up, no questions asked without retribution.
I agree to live and abide by this pledge.
Commanders and leaders
I will be there for you . . .
I/We will ensure, that if called upon, we will either arrange for transportation or personally provide you a safe ride home, even if you have broken every rule that we have agreed to follow, we will make sure you get home safely.
I will be a good role model and lead by example. I agree to live by the same safe driving rules we have set for you.
Fort Stewart leaders who signed the Marne Pride pledge will then have their Soldiers sign the proclamation, a sign of commitment from both leader and Soldier to an important cause.
"This is an excellent campaign," said Katherine Haile, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Alcohol and Drug Control Officer. "We do have a problem with drinking and driving, not only drinking and driving but other negative behavior associated with over consuming alcohol. This is one way to draw attention to the problem and to heighten the community's awareness."
Social Sharing