DoDDS students to kick off Red Ribbon Week

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF Mildenhall, England --  Drugs have long been the blight of society, destroying families, ending careers and ruining the hopes and dreams of many people around the world.

But like little warriors, children on RAF Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Feltwell plan to lay down their feet and demonstrate their commitment to drug and alcohol prevention by wearing red ribbons.

"National Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated October 23rd throught the 31st," said Michael Dubroff, RAF Mildenhall's Drug Demand Program manager.

"Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated since 1986 when a Drug Enforcement Agency agent was kidnapped and killed for coming close to breaking up a drug cartel in Mexico," Mr. Dubroff said. "To honor this heroic agent, and to demonstrate their commitment to drug and alcohol prevention, family members and friends began wearing red ribbons."

Since that time, Red Ribbon Weeks has been used to raise awareness about keeping children drug-free. Each year, more and more communities and schools across America use this week to educate and promote drug-free youth.

The theme for this year's celebration will be "I am drug free."

"We are planning many events around our community between the 23rd and 31st of October," said Mr. Dubroff. Some events include:

· Puppet shows on self esteem and dangers of drugs at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell Elemenatary Schools on Oct. 26 and 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

· RAF Mildenhall's American Youth Association to talk to Youth Center children on dangers of drugs on Oct. 28 from 3 to 6 p.m.

· A Red Ribbon Week display at RAF Mildenhall's Library between Oct. 23 - 28.

· RAF Feltwell Middle School's Drama Club will present short skits on the dangers of drugs Oct. 23 - 28. The video club is filming the skits and they will be presented on the school news program every morning.

· Classes are making Red Ribbon banners to be placed all around the school.

· School's Garden Club is planting 50 red Tulips in October so the antidrug/alcohol message can be addressed in the Winter and Spring.

· An article will be written in the Parents Newsletter by the ASACS Counselor.

· The Lakenheath Middle School will hold an essay contest with the theme being "How I Plan to Stay Drug Free."

· RAF Lakenheath High School discussions on "Promoting Good Risk Behavior."