Red Ribbon Week at Warren Published Oct. 23, 2006 By Senior Airman Lauren Hasinger 90th Space Wing Public Affairs F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- Members of the base are supporting the local community during this year's Red Ribbon Week held Monday to Oct. 31. National Red Ribbon Week began as a tribute to Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was kidnapped and murdered in 1985 by drug traffickers in Mexico, said Al Dyke, 90th Medical Support Squadron Drug Demand Reduction Program manager . After Special Agent Camarena's murder, people in his community started wearing red ribbons in memory of him and pledged to lead a drug-free life. That caught on and in 1988 Congress recognized Oct. 23 to 31 as National Red Ribbon Week."Besides recognizing the individual himself, it's the one time of year that promotes special emphasis to combat the illness of drug use," Mr. Dyke said. By wearing a red ribbon during the week, the person is pledging a drug-free lifestyle. Ribbons are available at the drug demand reduction office in the 90th Medical Group clinic. The Air Force and Warren do not have major drug problems, Mr. Dyke said. Part of that reason is the no tolerance policy toward drug use and a highly effective deterrence program. The random drug testing program began in 1975 when Mr. Dyke was a sergeant working as a drug and alcohol non-commissioned officer. Now it is seen as a staple in the military, even given the nickname "Operation Golden Flow" by servicemembers. Because of the anti-drug policy the Air Force promotes Warren members are able to reach out to the community to spread the message. Many Airmen are volunteering to visit schools during the week and talk to students about being drug free. Representatives from the base will be at Carey Jr. High School in Cheyenne for four days during their lunch period. Students who have signed a pledge to be drug free will receive a recognition prize. Mr. Dyke and volunteers are also planning a visit to Chugwater High School to do an intoxication goggle demonstration that shows how being impaired can affect someone. Students from Freedom Elementary are planning a parade on base from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday. Packets will be handed out to parents with information on drugs, a red ribbon and a pencil. Other activities Mr. Dyke and Warren volunteers are involved in include a march to the Wyoming Capitol and Red Ribbon Week kick off on Monday, methamphetamine awareness training on Thursday, Trick or Treat Off the Street on Oct. 31 at the Warren Youth Center and more. Mr. Dyke said Red Ribbon Week is not only a great week to teach drug prevention, it's also a big opportunity for Airmen to get involved in the community. One of the Airmen volunteering for Red Ribbon Week events is Staff Sgt. Jamie Payne, 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron vehicle section shift supervisor. "My main reason for doing it is because I have five kids," said Sergeant Payne. "I am from an area where drugs are a big problem. It's important to get the message out to kids early. The more information we get out to them the better chance they have to stay off drugs." Red Ribbon Week began with members of Special Agent Camarena's community wearing ribbons to honor his life and his sacrifice. The message Red Ribbon Week is designed to promote is one person can make a difference in the fight against drugs.