JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
"I am drug free" is the theme for the 2010 Red Ribbon Week campaign set for Oct. 23 to 31.
Red Ribbon Week originated as a tribute to Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" S. Camarena, a narcotics agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. In 1985, Mr. Camarena was kidnapped by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Mr. Camarena's death enraged many Americans in his hometown of Calexico, Calif., and they began to wear red ribbons to commemorate his sacrifice. The anti-drug message spread quickly, and in 1988, the National Family Partnership took the Red Ribbon Celebration nationwide. The focus of the celebration is to educate individuals, families, and communities on the destructive effects of drugs and the positive life choices available.
Red Ribbon Week is now the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program, reaching millions of Americans every year. The Department of Defense has officially participated in this event to raise public awareness and mobilize communities to combat tobacco, alcohol and drug use among military personnel, civilians and their families.
As in years past, Team Charleston will be participating in this year's campaign. The 628th Security Forces Squadron's military working dog kennels will be conducting drug search demonstrations for several local elementary schools.
"The Drug Demand Reduction Program is designed to deter as well as prevent illegal drug use," said Selwyn Stephens, the 628th Air Base Wing's Drug Demand Reduction Program manager. "We have the added responsibility of conducting outreach and prevention activities, and the Red Ribbon Campaign is one of the ways we do this."
Also, as a national supporter of the initiative, the National Family Partnership encourages parents to play a significant role in their child's life and take their pledge to prevent children's substance abuse.
Pledge
To Prevent Children's Substance Abuse
1. As parents, we will talk to our children about the dangers of drug abuse.
2. We will set clear rules for our children about not using drugs.
3. We will set a good example for our children by not using illegal drugs or medicine
without a prescription.
4. We will monitor our children's behavior and enforce appropriate consequences, so that our rules are respected.
5. We will encourage family and friends to follow the same guidelines to keep children safe from substance abuse.
I pledge to set guidelines to help children grow up safe, healthy and drug-free.