Red Ribbon Week continues the fight against drugs Published Oct. 28, 2008 By 305th Medical Group Drug Demand Reduction Program office McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The United States Congress proclaimed Red Ribbon Week in support of a drug- free community in 1988 with Nancy Reagan as the first honorary chairman of the event. The decision young people make today will affect their health and character for the rest of their lives. For more than two decades, the Red Ribbon Campaign has taught the nation's youth about the dangers of drug use and encouraged them to lead productive, drug-free lives. Each year since, the Red Ribbon Campaign has grown and now impacts millions of Americans like no other drug prevention movement in history. Red Ribbon Week, an annual drug awareness, prevention and education campaign, was held around the nation Oct. 23-27. "Drug awareness is important because when you abuse drugs, you risk everything that's important - your family, friends, job, money, self-respect, life itself," said Titus Welcome, the Drug Demand Reduction Program manager at McGuire. The Red Ribbon observance is in memory of Enrique Camarena, an agent in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, who was killed in February 1985 while on an undercover assignment in Mexico. After his murder, friends and neighbors of the 37-year-old former Marine began wearing red badges of satin in honor of "Kiki" and his battle against illegal drugs. Parents fed up with the destruction caused by alcohol and other drugs began forming coalitions. Some took Mr. Camarena as their model and embraced his belief that one person can make a difference. "The Red Ribbon Campaign is a campaign of the people, for the people and by the people," said Col. Glenn Yap, 305th Medical Group commander. "It shows intolerance for drugs in our schools, our work places and our communities." The Department of Defense firmly supports the goals of this observance as an integral part of the president's overall program for promoting a drug-free society. Drug abuse is a national-security concern, DoD officials have said. The Air Force and DoD have long been at the forefront of the nation's efforts to control the use of illegal drugs. Through support of drug interdiction programs by law-enforcement agencies, mandatory testing, educational programs and voluntary partnerships with those in need in surrounding communities, the DoD has been steadfast in supporting efforts to reduce the supply and demand for drugs. The DoD has been participating in Red Ribbon Week observance since 1990. "Drug abuse will continue to demand our best efforts," Mr. Welcome said. "Drug use and abuse is incompatible with military service, mission accomplishment and our core values ... We need to continue to support healthy, drug-free lifestyles and show our dedication to education and prevention efforts. "Drug resistance education is everyone's responsibility," Mr. Welcome said. "We must ensure a drug-free community for our children now and in the future."