U.S. Fleet Forces
Promotes HERO Campaign

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica Pounds,U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) along with the Mid-Atlantic Region Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program launched the HERO designated driver campaign, Dec. 19, at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va.

The HERO campaign promotes designated drivers for persons who are intoxicated. Its mission is to end drunk driving fatalities, injuries and accidents nationwide by promoting designated driving and reminding the public to drive sober and to not let friends drive drunk.

Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, deputy chief of staff for Global Force Management and Joint Operations, from USFF, served as a guest speaker at Little Creek's Foc'sle Recreation Center to communicate to the local community that Navy leadership is embracing the HERO campaign as one more tool to combat drinking and driving.

"Through this initiative and other Navy programs, we hope that over time we can change our Sailors' attitude about drinking and driving, and do our part in the community to make our roadways safer," said Buzby. "Today, here in Hampton Roads, the largest fleet concentration area in the world, we are taking a great step forward as we join the state of Virginia to embrace the HERO campaign."

The HERO campaign was launched in August 2000 in memory of Ensign John R. Elliot who was killed by a drunk driver just two months after his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy.

On July 22, 2000, Elliot was driving to his mother's house to celebrate her birthday. A sport utility vehicle (SUV) swerved into his lane and struck his vehicle. The driver of the SUV had been arrested three hours earlier for driving while intoxicated (DWI).

After being released from the New Jersey State Police, the person charged with the DWI resumed driving and hit Elliot's car, killing them both.

Ensign John Elliot's father, Bill Elliot, attended the kick-off ceremony and shared his experience.

"The phone call that we received when our son was supposed to be on his way home to celebrate his mother's birthday, is a shock that no parent or family should have to endure," said Elliot. "The tragedy of DWI accidents is not just the person who is hit, but also the person who causes the accident. It changes their lives irreparably, and we believe that two families were killed the night our son was lost."

Elliot's parents chartered the HERO campaign to help prevent avoidable fatalities like their son's, by promoting sober driving through educational posters, designated driver wrist bands and partnering with facilities that serve alcohol to supply designated drivers with incentives such as free sodas and juice.
Since its commencement, the HERO campaign has seen numerous victories including support from restaurant, bar and tavern owners in a number of states, colleges and universities, and professional sports teams.

In August 2008, Virginia became the third state to officially adopt the HERO campaign. To launch the program, 15 highway billboards in and around Richmond with the campaign's slogan, "Be a hero. Be a designated driver," were donated by Lamar Outdoor Advertising.

The Navy's MWR adopted the campaign and will utilize the program in the on-base facilities that serve alcohol. When a service member comes in and says they are a designated driver, the server will sign them up on a card, give them a wristband, and will serve them non-alcoholic beverages free of charge.

Mary Lou Williard, MWR community programs director, said, "Giving somebody a free soda or bottle of water is a small price for MWR to pay to be able to get somebody to get his or her shipmates home safe. We are 100 percent ready to be behind this program."

The campaign kickoff prior to the holiday season provides one more opportunity to reinforce responsible use of alcohol on naval installations in the Hampton Roads area. Elliot's mother, Muriel, closed with her thoughts about drinking and driving and the holiday season.

"What better Christmas present could you give someone, than to be a designated driver and get them home safe at night," asked Elliot. "Every mother is always waiting up for their children to come home, and that is the best present in the world."

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