New Wingman cards available Published Aug. 22, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Torri K. Larson 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Airmen now have a new Wingman card to carry in their wallets that has more information and options regarding a safe trip home. The new card is replacing the previous Wingman card and Taxi Chip program and has the promise of fewer DUI's and more people taking care of each other. "These cards have more information," said Master Sgt. Debra Downey, 48th Fighter Wing NCOIC of human performance and tracking, 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron aerospace and operational physiology. "Instead of only have one person's name on the card, they now have the supervisor, first sergeant and commander listed." She said this helps facilitate not only one person being responsible for their Wingman, but several people. Sergeant Downey developed the new cards and has sent them out to all first sergeants for distribution. She said the new Taxi Chip or Chit program allows Airmen to get a ride home even if they don't have the cash with them. "The Phoenix Taxi company has partnered with us to participate in this program," she said. "The driver will take all the Airman's information from their ID card and the Airman has three days to pay for the cab fare." If an Airman does not pay by the third day, their information is handed over to the Legal Office. They are given one more opportunity to pay before it becomes a financial irresponsibility issue and it is sent to their commander. "This is part of a whole anti-DUI and binge drinking campaign," Sergeant Downey said. "I think it'll really help to knock down alcohol-related incidents." Master Sgt. James Middleton said the program is leadership driven and all encompassing. "It consolidates all programs into one to make things that much easier," he said. The program is in effect now and first sergeants are encouraged to distribute the cards to their Airmen.