Red Ribbon Week events announced Published Oct. 21, 2008 By Mike Dubroff Drug Demand Reduction Office RAF MILDENHALL, England -- National Red Ribbon Observance on RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath is Oct. 23 to 29. Red Ribbon Week is dedicated to raising awareness of drug use, abuse and addiction. Each October communities and military installations worldwide celebrate the Red Ribbon campaign in memory of slain Drug Enforcement Agent Enrico Carmarena who was slain in the line of duty while working undercover in Mexico in 1985. Many people from Camarena's home state of California began wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice. Four years later, an eight-day Red Ribbon Week was proclaimed by the U.S. Congress. The wearing of a red ribbon has now become a symbol of awareness to choose to live lives unmarred by drug use. National Red Ribbon Week campaign is meant to focus our attention on the significant impact substance abuse has on our nation. Drug abuse is a leading cause of preventable disease, accidents, crime and death. This year, the RAF Mildenhall Drug Demand Reduction Program (in conjunction with RAF Lakenheath) and a myriad of other Team Mildenhall and Team Lakenheath organizations will provide a variety of drug prevention outreach and education. In addition, red ribbons and other outreach items will be distributed throughout both bases. The following is the schedule of events: Oct. 23 to 29: Display at RAF Mildenhall Library Oct. 23: Drug prevention puppet show at RAF Feltwell Elementary School Oct. 24: Texting competition at Lakenheath High School - Best anti-drug message Oct. 28: Essay contest at Lakenheath High School - Theme is "Heroes remain Drug-free" Oct. 28: Drug prevention puppet show at RAF Lakenheath Elementary School Oct. 31: Demand reduction drug presentations on hazards of drug usage and skills to deter drug usage at RAF Mildenhall Youth Center Editor's note: For more information, call DSN 238-5091.