JBER promotes drug-free America through Red Ribbon campaign

Being drug-free can be a lifestyle decision that takes root at an early age and can be reinforced throughout an individual’s life.

The National Family Partnership and its network of individuals and organizations deliver the message of hope for a drug-free America to millions of people every year through the National Red Ribbon Campaign.

“Focusing on youth for a drug-free America is paramount because the earlier we get this message to them, the more effective it’ll be,” said Maxine Martinez, Army Substance Abuse Program alcohol and drug control officer.

Red Ribbon Week is observed nation-wide Oct. 23 to 31 and promotes being drug-free, while honoring the memory of fallen Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.

The Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

Throughout October, agencies from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson will be joining forces to raise awareness for drug abuse prevention in local elementary schools.

JBER will also show its commitment to the campaign with a drug-free march Oct. 19, which everyone with base access is welcome to attend.

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 2017 National Red Ribbon Week theme is “Your future is key, so stay drug free.” The theme was created by Iris Yu, a student at Solon Middle School in Solon, Ohio.

Elementary school students at JBER will show their support by congregating at Buckner and Paxton fields for aerial photos as they form words to correspond with this year’s theme Oct. 19.

Martinez reiterates that being drug-free isn’t a value that can be harped on once per year and then forgotten about until next year.

“Parents and families need to be stressing the importance of being drug-free not just during Red Ribbon Week but all year round,” she said. “If we don’t articulate to our kids what our expectations and our values are, then they’ll be more likely to be influenced by negative examples and fall in line with the values of these individuals.”

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 as well as awareness outreach.

“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,” said Andrew Toller, ASAP prevention coordinator.

Martinez encourages Team JBER personnel who may have drug or alcohol abuse issues to seek help immediately because she says substance abuse issues don’t just stay in the lanes of substance abuse.

“Sexual assaults, domestic violence, home invasions, burglaries…a lot of these things have their roots in substance abuse because they’re means by which people try to pay for their use,” Martinez said. “It also spills over into your financial arena, your legal arena and your family dynamics.”