WORDS TO THE WISE Published Aug. 31, 2008 By Ben Gorman Canada -- Perhaps Airmen who continue to drink and drive should read the eye-opening breakdown by Chief Master Sgt. Eugene Kampe, the 71st Medical Group superintendent from Vance Air Force Base, Okla. ("DWI -- Can You Afford It?" September/October 2007 issue, page 5). The chief states that the following are three examples of individuals arrested by security forces after drinking a six-pack of beer and driving: "A senior airman reduced to airman first class will lose $8,006 over the two-year period it takes to earn the grade back. Cost per beer -- $1,334. For a technical sergeant reduced to staff sergeant over a five-year period, the loss will be $35,358. Cost per beer -- $5,893. For a master sergeant reduced to technical sergeant, the loss, including the potential effect to retirement pay during an average 30-year lifespan, will rise to $191,184. Cost per beer -- $31,864." If Airmen aren't concerned with the potential loss of life they may cause, maybe they will pay attention to the potential loss from their wallet.