This year's 2015 National Red Ribbon campaign theme is: "Respect Yourself: Be Drug Free." Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program and is held in October. Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will celebrate the weeklong event Oct. 23-31.
This is always a special time of the year for the JBM-HH Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); a time to remember Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. This is also a time of reflection, a time when communities all around the country come together to raise awareness about the destructive effects of drugs.
This campaign originated in response to the tragic death of Camarena, an 11-year DEA veteran assigned to Guadalajara, Mexico, where he was on the trail of marijuana and cocaine traffickers. In 1985, he was close to unlocking a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline. On Feb.7, 1985, Camarena was kidnapped, tortured and brutally murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico. His death opened the eyes of many Americans to the dangers of drugs and the international scope of the drug trade.
Camarena's violent death brought home to us the viciousness of drug traffickers; those who use and distribute drugs in America are supporting the very drug traffickers and cartels that killed him.
Camarena's death is a catalyst that began to change attitudes about drug use in America.
It was during the aftermath of Camarena's tragic murder that the Red Ribbon campaign had its beginnings. Congressman Duncan Hunter and Camarena's high school friend Henry Lozano launched the "Camarena Club" in Camarena's hometown of Calexico, California. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifice made by Camarena.
Members of the Virginia Federation of Parents began wearing red ribbons to show their intolerance of drugs and their disgust with the violence caused by drug trafficking. Within a few years, many other groups had adopted the practice, and now it is a nationwide observance. The first Red Ribbon Week celebrations were held in La Mirada and Norwalk, California. In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons.
The drug issue is a challenge every day for all Americans because illegal drugs directly endanger our greatest natural resource - our children - the future of our nation. As you wear your red piece of clothing or red ribbons this upcoming week, remember what the red represents: It is a sign to all that you care. Wear your red ribbon and armbands with pride. They are visible symbols of your strong commitment to a drug-free America.
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