Travel drug free with Red Ribbon Week

Published Oct. 16, 2018
By Airman 1st Class Caitlin Russell
673d Air Base Wing

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson community joins people across the country in celebrating a drug-free lifestyle during the annual Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23 to 31.
The National Family Partnership and its network of organizations have worked since 1985 to support the goal of a drug-free America through the National Red Ribbon Campaign.
“The campaign is a time to educate youth on drug and alcohol awareness, and vocalize the importance of being drug-free,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Kimberly McKenna, 673d Medical Group Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program and Army Substance Abuse Program manager.
Red Ribbon Week began in honor of fallen Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. While in the midst of a drug cartel investigation in Mexico, Camarena was kidnapped and brutally murdered by drug traffickers.
Following his death, coalitions formed to honor Camarena and to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. The red ribbon was used to symbolize his memory and fight against drug exploitation.
The campaign serves as a method for communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
JBER elementary schools will show their commitment to the campaign with a drug-free walk Oct. 18; everyone with base access is welcome to attend.
“The walk is my favorite part of the campaign,” said Andrew Toller, ASAP prevention coordinator. “I enjoy seeing their excitement, especially when they’re able to go with their parents. It’s a great way to get the message out there, while hopefully sparking that conversation between parents and children.
Each year the campaign’s theme – submitted by school-age children and selected by NFP members – changes to more appropriately and successfully appeal to the nation’s youth.
The 2018 Red Ribbon Week theme is “Life is your journey, travel drug free.”
Following the drug-free walk, students and faculty will show support by congregating at Buckner and Paxton fields for aerial photos as they form words to correspond with this year’s theme.
McKenna reiterated the need to stress the importance of drug and alcohol awareness, not just for this campaign, but for life.
“The work our Soldiers and Airmen are doing can be dangerous, and if one of your team members is even just a little bit impaired, it can negatively impact the team, the mission and the military as a whole,” Toller said.
For those who may be struggling with substance abuse, base programs such as ASAP and ADAPT are available to provide education, treatment for substance abuse and awareness outreach. Personnel can contact ADAPT at 580-2181 or ASAP at 384-1418.