Red ribbons return in October

By USAG Bavaria Army Substance Abuse ProgramOctober 24, 2014

Cake cutting
From left: Shameka Howard and Liz Bechtel, both prevention coordinators for U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria's Army Substance Abuse Program, and Col. Mark Colbrook, USAG Bavaria commander, cut the cake at the kick-off event for the 2014 Red Ribbon Week at ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- October is a one of the most special months of the year. The leaves are changing, fall is in the air, and children of all ages eagerly await Oct. 31 to finally wear their Halloween costumes!

But October is also special for another reason: it's the month our nation and Army community designates a week to take a stand against drug abuse.

Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program.

During Red Ribbon week we teach our children slogans such as "Just Say No" and encourage everyone to wear red ribbons to support this important cause. Children have lots of fun going all out searching for something red to wear or make for Red Ribbon Week.

But just as Red Ribbon Week is a fun way to remind our children and teens to "Just Say No" to drugs, there are some daunting statistics that reveal what is in store for them if they don't.

Recent National Survey on Drug Use & Health reports indicate the use of illicit drugs among Americans 12 and older increased between 2008 and 2009.

Marijuana, ecstasy, and methamphetamine use among American youths also increased significantly during the same time period. These trends are particularly troubling considering several studies have shown youths who use illicit drugs between the ages of 12 and 17 are twice as likely to have engaged in violent behavior than those who did not use illicit drugs.

Our Army community cannot allow these disturbing trends to continue.

We have made a commitment to teaching and guiding our youth to become productive, healthy and upstanding members of society.

The Army Substance Abuse Program Adolescence Substance Abuse counseling services would like everyone to participate in the activities for Red Ribbon Week this week so we can continue in these efforts. So say it loud and say it proud: "Just say no to drugs!"

The following are Red Ribbon Week activities in USAG Bavaria:

Community events:

The Army Substance Abuse Program is hosting a drawing / poem / song contest for the Theme of Red Ribbon Week, "Love Yourself and be Drug-Free."

Parents: Stop by the main entrance of the Tower Barracks Exchange, take a piece of paper, and have your child draw a picture, write a poem or a song based on the theme, "Love Yourself and be Drug-Free." Winners and prizes will be awarded Oct. 28.

Oct. 27 -- All agencies are asked to wear Red in support of the Red Ribbon theme "Love Yourself and be Drug-Free." All Soldiers are invited to change into red clothes after work.

Oct. 28 -- Winners for the children's drawing, poem and song contests within the USAG Bavaria community will be announced at the Exchange at 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 -- All agencies, Dept. of Army civilians and family members are asked to participate in "Crazy Socks" day to stomp out drugs.

Netzaberg Middle School events:

Parents and teachers can go online and take a pledge to support their children at www.netzabergmiddleschoolptsa.blogspot.de.

Oct. 27 - Wear red to support the Red Ribbon Week theme "Love Yourself and be Drug-Free."

Oct. 28 - Wear bright clothing for "My Future is Bright When I am Drug-Free."

Oct. 29 -- "Crazy Socks" day to "Stomp out Drugs."

Oct. 30 - "Team up Against Drugs" and wear your favorite team wear.

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