Red Ribbon Week: I am drug free

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Thompson
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO. --  The Red Ribbon Week kick-off event for the Cheyenne and base community was Oct. 22 at the Laramie County School District #1 administrations building auditorium.

More than 550 children attended the opening event where the main focus was saying "no" to drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

"Children are our future," said Col. Greg Tims, 90th Missile Wing commander. "As parents and mentors, we need to instill strong values in our children such as character and toughness. A strong character to say no to drugs and alcohol, and toughness to be able to stand up to the pressures of life, not only during Red Ribbon week, but every day of the year."

"The overall goal this year is no different than any other year," said Al Dyke, the Drug Demand and Reduction manager at Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren Air Force Base. "We are focused on teaching drug prevention, and how to live a drug-free life."

Mr. Dyke said his rich history of working with the community during Red Ribbon Week dates back about nine years, whereas the history of the week itself stems a little farther.

The first Red Ribbon Week campaign was celebrated in 1988 with President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan serving as chairpersons. The campaign itself started as a way for communities across the country to take a stand against the use of drugs and bring awareness of the different dangers involved, Mr. Dyke said.

This year the week ran from Oct. 25 to 29, with the base originally having its annual parade on Oct. 27; however, due to inclement weather, the event got moved into Freedom Elementary School.

Several community leaders showed up in support of the kick-off event and more than 50 base volunteers put time and energy into events throughout the week at different LCSD#1 schools.

During the kick-off event, the Warren Base Honor Guard presented the colors, while Anna Buchhammer sang the National Anthem.

As everyone stood to honor the flag, the sea of red ribbons and red T-shirts could be seen throughout the auditorium -- a sign that one person can make a difference.

"The red worn during Red Ribbon Week is a symbol that a single person, no matter how big or small, can make a difference," Mr. Dyke said.

Many of the children and participants of the event also wore red to symbolize their commitment to live a drug-free life, he added.

Each year the Red Ribbon Week brings millions of people together to raise awareness and with that awareness brings change, said Lori Moseley, co-chair of the Community Red Ribbon Committee. "This week is about change -- making a choice today to change the world tomorrow," she said.