JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The Army Substance Abuse Program will host the National Red Ribbon Campaign walk at 1:45 p.m. Oct. 10 at Paxton and Buckner Fields on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The National Red Ribbon Campaign began in honor of fallen Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Camarena was killed by drug traffickers during a drug cartel investigation in Mexico in 1985.
The National Red Ribbon Campaign has been organized by the National Family Partnership to promote a drug-free America and every year the theme for the campaign is selected from themes submitted by school aged children.
This year’s theme is “Send a Message. Stay Drug Free.”
“By staying drug free, you are sending a message to your family, friends and loved ones that you want to be there for them,” said Andrew Toller, ASAP prevention coordinator.
This year’s message will be spelled out by those attending on the fields at the conclusion of the walk for an aerial photo.
More than 1,300 students, teachers, faculty and parents from Aurora, Orion, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor schools are expected to participate in this year’s walk.
Parents who are interested in attending should coordinate with schools for where to meet their child.
The campaign is a way for communities to get involved and to educate and encourage youth to get involved with drug prevention programs.
Everyone with base access is invited to attend.
“The main point of the National Red Ribbon Campaign is to raise awareness for how important it is to stay away from drugs and stay in school,” Toller said.
For those who may be struggling with substance abuse, base programs such as ASAP and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program are available to provide education, treatment for substance abuse and awareness outreach. For more information, contact ASAP at 384-1418 or ADAPT at 580-2181