National Red Ribbon Week: Drug Free is the Key

  • Published
  • By Mr. Jeffery Hikes
  • Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale officials will celebrate National Red Ribbon Week at 4 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Bbse Youth Center. Col. Steven Basham, 2d Bomb Wing commander, will lead a pledge to remain drug free with Barksdale's youth.

Team Barksdale is encouraged to attend the program in an effort to join the base, Department of Defense and nation in showing support for the campaign. The Red Ribbon Week Campaign runs each year Oct. 23-31. "Drug Free Is The Key" is the campaign's national theme this year, and offers Airmen the unique opportunity to reinforce the "Say No to Drugs" message.

The event began in 1985 when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered Enrique (Kiki) Camarena, a drug enforcement agent, who was close to uncovering the identities of key members of a Mexican drug cartel. Angered by his death, and the destruction caused by drugs and alcohol, many citizens in Camarena's hometown, Calexico, Calif., began wearing red ribbons in his honor. This began the tradition of displaying and wearing the red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards drug and alcohol abuse.

Now, the observance has grown into a national annual event. The mission of RRW is to present a unified and visible commitment toward the creation of a Drug Free America. It is a voluntary drug awareness, prevention and education campaign. Many organizations offer a variety of programs to highlight the nation's commitment to fighting drug abuse through prevention and treatment efforts.

"RRW is a national observance to remind us of the dangers of drug abuse and the benefit of healthy, and drug-free lifestyle," said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, former Assistant Secretary of Defense Health Affairs. "This nationwide celebration has become a major force for raising public awareness and mobilizing communities to combat alcohol, drug, and tobacco use. The DOD has officially participated in this event since 1990 with the aim to reduce drug abuse among its members and their families." He strongly encourages all DOD agencies and departments to support and participate in RRW activities this year.

Colonel Basham requests Team Barksdale show support by participating in the many activities being planned by our demand reduction program, local schools and community coalitions.

"Drugs pose an enormous threat to our wing and national security. Drug abuse prevention will continue to demand our best efforts. Drug abuse is incompatible with military service, mission accomplishment and our core values," Colonel Basham said.

Each year, the Red Ribbon Campaign has grown and now impacts millions of Americans. DOD has been in the forefront of the nation's efforts to combat illegal drugs and its use. Whether it is through drug testing or educational efforts within our own DOD communities, or voluntarily reaching out to others in need of help, the DOD has been steadfast in endeavors to confront this problem.

"Our military and civilian employees continue to mobilize around the world against threats, including drugs, to keep our homeland secure. They must be at their best, both physically and mentally, to make wise decisions under pressure," said Col. Thomas Grace, 2d Medical Group commander. "RRW is a national observance to remind us of the dangers of drug abuse. The events provide Barksdale and its surrounding communities an opportunity to reenergize their commitment to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle, and emphasize our dedication to education and prevention efforts,"

Active-duty members are encouraged to wear ribbons on civilian apparel - they are not authorized for military uniform wear. Displaying the red ribbons will symbolize our commitment to the development of a healthy lifestyle and drug-free choice for our nation and our children's future.

Pick up red ribbons at the Demand Reduction Office on the east side of base, Building 7222, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Civilian Personnel flight, and at the Mental Health Flight Clinic or from any Integrated Delivery System Committee member. If you need additional ribbons or outreach and prevention information or materials, contact the Drug Demand Reduction Office, 456-8021.