Battle buddy at the wheel: Service members volunteer to prevent drunk driving

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — “One decision can change a Soldier's life forever,” said Staff Sgt. Adrian Coleman, explaining his commitment to the Fort Leona… FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — “One decision can change a Soldier's life forever,” said Staff Sgt. Adrian Coleman, explaining his commitment to the Fort Leonard Wood chapter of the Drunk Driving Prevention Program. “The Drunk Driving Prevention Program gives us an opportunity to intervene before a decision becomes a tragedy,” said Coleman, president of the Fort Leonard Wood chapter. “As a noncommissioned officer and president of this organization, I take tremendous pride in knowing that our volunteers willingly sacrifice their personal time to protect others.” Coleman, a Motor Transport Operator Course instructor with the 58th Transportation Battalion, brings a personal and professional commitment to safe vehicle operations and transportation readiness.

“I want Soldiers to understand that requesting a safe ride is not a sign of weakness or poor judgment. It shows accountability, maturity and responsibility,” he said. The Fort Leonard Wood chapter of the DDPP is one of several chapters nationwide serving communities near Army installations. The nonprofit provides free rides to ensure service members, their families and their vehicles get home safely. According to Coleman, the Fort Leonard Wood chapter provided 104 safe rides in 2025 and has facilitated 122 rides so far this