HERO program gains momentum

NORFOLK, Va. - Sometimes even the most simple act, can be heroic. Just ask the folks behind The HERO program, which promotes designated driving across the country. The campaign is gaining momentum with the U.S. Fleet Forces Command adopting the program.

Graduating from the Naval Academy was one of proudest moments of John Elliot's life. It was also one of his last moments. The young man from New Jersey was killed by a drunk driver just two months later.

His father, Bill Elliot told WAVY.com, "Getting a knock on the door (that no parent wants to get) at four in the morning to tell us that our son instantaneously is gone is a shock that no parent or family should have to endure."

That's why Bill Elliot and his wife came to Little Creek to help Navy brass kick-off the HERO campaign.

RADM Mark Buzby, US Fleet Forces Command says, "This outstanding campaign will give our sailors one more tool to help them in their decision making to either have or to be a designated driver."

CAPT William Crow, CO Little Creek Amphibious Base added, "As I tell each one of our sailors whenever I have a Captain's Call with them, if you take these things and you drink, what do they become? They become a deadly weapon."

In his senior year at the Naval Academy, John Elliot was named "Hero of the Year." This program is named in his honor.

Bill Elliot tells us, "Who wouldn't want to be a hero if it as simple as driving somebody home."

Sailors (who don't drink) say, they've stepped up to be the designated driver for friends who do enjoy alcoholic beverages.

EM3 Adam Mohamed, one of the "HERO's" in the program says, "Not just them, anybody. It doesn't matter. Anybody. If you can save someone's life on that day, by all means."

Simply making sure you have a designated driver can be an act of heroism.

Last August, Virginia became the third state to officially adopt the HERO Campaign.