'Surprise Sweep' 100 percent clean

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Whiteman underwent Operation Surprise Sweep, drug testing one-third of the base populace for illicit substances, March 8, 2010, and not a single Airman tested positive for illegal drugs during the urinalysis.

"I am very proud that we had over one-third of the base without a single issue," said Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander. "The objective of this is to have zero drug use.  Having all those samples return clean is an indicator of people getting the message."

Mr. James Taylor, 509th Bomb Wing Demand Reduction Program director, concurred.

"The program has been a success because we have taken on a unique approach to how we deliver the message to Airmen," he said. "We work incessantly to create and establish a deterrent position of zero tolerance for the Whiteman community."

According to Air Force Instruction 44-159, DRP, a goal of the program is to enhance mission readiness and foster a drug free environment through a comprehensive program of education, prevention, deterrence and community outreach in support of the President's National Drug Control Strategy.

"DRP is a cog in the wheel of deterrence, because we maintain health and wellness through a fit-to-fight stance," Mr. Taylor said.

According to Mr. Taylor, DRP develops programs because the Air Force cannot afford any oversights that would impact the mission in a negative way.

"Everyone plays a big role in the mission," he said. "We all have an individual and group responsibility and DRP helps defend our great nation."

According to Mr. Taylor, Whiteman upholds an outstanding reputation for being a drug-free base.

"Whiteman definitely gets the message of zero tolerance and that is indicated by the fact that there were no positives identified in Operation Surprise Sweep," Mr. Taylor said.