Red Ribbon Week: ‘The Best ME is Drug Free’

  • Published
  • By Rex Metcalf
  • 90th Medical Support Squadron Drug Demand Reduction Program manager
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The Warren and Cheyenne community will join others across the nation to raise awareness about drugs and encourage healthy choices as they celebrate National Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23 through Oct. 31.

Red Ribbon Week was established by Congress in 1988 to commemorate the work of Enrique "KiKi" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, who was tortured and murdered in Mexico in 1985. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the US Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out of it. "I'm only one person," he told her, "but I want to make a difference." The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico, investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On February 7th, 1985, the 37-year-old Camerena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found. He had been tortured to death.

In honor of Camarena's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Today that tradition continues as the Red Ribbon campaign promotes and encourages a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts. The national theme this year is "The Best ME is Drug Free." The national theme helps create awareness of the drug problems facing every community - develop parent and community teams to combat alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs - and promote a drug-free lifestyle for everyone.

Stop by the clinic during the Red Ribbon Week to visit the Drug Demand Reduction prevention and awareness table and receive your Red Ribbon. DDR staff will be available to answer questions about illicit drug use, and will be handing out information pamphlets and promotional items.