KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Red Ribbon Week began on Kadena Oct. 23 at Ryukyu and Kadena Middle School.
Red Ribbon Week is an annual National Family Partnership campaign to promote drug prevention among youth. The Red Ribbon traces its origins to 1985, when Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena, a well-respected and loved member of his community, was killed during his fight against illegal drugs. He expressed a firm belief in the difference that can be made by just one person.
In his memory, friends and acquaintances began wearing red ribbons and forming groups to commemorate what he stood for; fighting illegal drugs. What began as a small, community-based movement grew into a national organization dedicated to raising awareness about drugs.
In observance of Red Ribbon Week, Kadena's schools held a kick off rally where nearly 1,100 middle school students celebrated the anti-drug campaign, this year's theme: "Respect yourself. Be drug free." This year local schools will be participating in numerous Red Ribbon Week activities where the idea of drug prevention is presented to the students in a positive, fun manner.
"I really think it's important to have a fun idea to say no to drugs," said Samantha Murray, an 8th grade student at Kadena Middle School. "I think kids our age need support to do that in a fun, supportive way."
One example of this was a military working dog demonstration hosted by the 18th Security Forces Squadron during the kick off rally. The purpose of the demonstration was to show students the potential danger in which they could find themselves if they choose to pursue a drug-oriented lifestyle. To make it more interesting, students were even allowed to take part in a drug search demonstration by placing bags in a row for the MWD to search and sniff. One of the bags contained simulated contraband for the MWD to find.
"I'm grateful that we have this opportunity to educate the community; it's always a positive," said Master Sgt. Arthur Sawyer, 18th SFS kennel master. "Everybody always thinks of security forces as writing tickets; things like that. This is one of the ways we can positively give back to the community and educate these students."
It is with the combined efforts of 18th SFS and Kadena's schools that students can be properly educated about the dangers of drugs and can help keep the community safe.
"I really appreciate our faculty and staff and 18th Security Forces coming in and to help educate our kids on drug awareness so that they grow up and they can have successful lives and not have to deal with the peer pressure or the consequences of those types of decisions," said Stacey Hull-Walsh, Kadena Middle School assistant principal.
The remainder of the week will feature many events to educate students about the importance of being drug-free. Some examples of the events are: a no drugs banner, the Red Ribbon Week Wheel of Fortune, no drugs relay stations, drunk goggle activities, "Team Up Against Drugs" jersey day, "Doing Drugs is Crazy" crazy hair day, "Be a Hero" day, and a school dance.
"The activities that are planned for the week help bring drug awareness to the forefront," Walsh commented. "It's a fun way to educate our students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol."