ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. Aca,!" The depot celebrated Red Ribbon Week Oct. 25-29 with various programs in local schools, working with children to prevent future drug use.

Red Ribbon Week symbolizes a dedication by people of all ages to avoid the use of drugs and to assist family and friends in making good choices.

Nationally, this week is dedicated to the memory of Enrique (Kiki) Camarena, a drug enforcement agent who was killed in the line of duty in 1985 while working undercover in Mexico.

On Oct. 26, Depot Commander Col. Timothy Sullivan visited students at Coldwater Elementary School, the installationAca,!a,,cs adopted school, to speak with them about living a drug-free life.

Aca,!A"This subject is very important to me,Aca,!A? said Sullivan. Aca,!A"This week reminds us of our commitment, as children and as adults, to say no to drugs.Aca,!A?

Sullivan told the students they each play a vital role in the war on drugs. Their responsibility is to be a good friend and relative and to help others make the right choice Aca,!" the choice not to use drugs.

That message is getting through to the students.

Aca,!A"We need to stay off drugs because they are bad for us,Aca,!A? said fourth grader Landon Macoy. Aca,!A"WeAca,!a,,cre trying to keep drugs from being a part of our future, so they donAca,!a,,ct destroy our lives and the lives of those we love.Aca,!A?

Also present with Sullivan at Coldwater were members of the depotAca,!a,,cs fire department and the Oxford Fire Department as well as Sparky the Fire Dog.

Other events throughout Red Ribbon Week included the delivery of treats and educational tools to Coldwater Elementary and a briefing on substance abuse by Gloria Prince, the depotAca,!a,,cs prevention coordinator, to the seventh and eighth graders of White Plains Middle School.

Red Ribbon Week concluded with a three-kilometer fun run/walk for third and fourth graders at CES.

Aca,!A"This was all about the children, the next generation,Aca,!A? said Prince. Aca,!A"I want them to understand and realize it is about being aware of what is out there and being educated on substance abuse. They just need to know when to say no to substance abuse and just be able to have fun.Aca,!A?