Tyndall kicks off Red Ribbon Week

  • Published
  • By Brenda Brown
  • Drug Demand Reduction Program
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Team Tyndall spent the week getting the word out about the dangers of illicit drug use during the annual Red Ribbon Campaign, which runs Oct. 23 - 31.

This year's theme for Red Ribbon Week, "United Against Drugs," focuses on educating individuals, families and communities on the destructive effects of drugs and the positive alternative life choices that are available to youth, said Department of Defense officials.

"Here at Tyndall, we saw an opportunity not only to enforce policy with demand reduction efforts, but also to educate our community through programs like the Red Ribbon Campaign," said Lt. Col. Douglas Howard, 325th Medical Operations Squadron commander.

The Child Development Center and Youth Center here were visited by McGruff, the Crime Dog, and his team to help pass along the information that drugs are not acceptable.

The Air Force maintains a "zero-tolerance" policy. Red Ribbon Week provides an opportunity to renew personal commitments to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle and to show support for education and prevention efforts in our schools and communities.
Drug abuse is a major public health issue in the U.S., and threatens the military's combat readiness posture and mission accomplishment.

"We can avert many tragedies in terms of shattered lives and careers, disease and death by educating people on the dangers of substance abuse of all types - legal and illegal," said Colonel Howard. "The 325th Medical Group can assist in a variety of ways through education, counseling and treatment for eligible beneficiaries."

Tyndall's Drug Demand Reduction Program is the sponsor of this year's "United Against Drugs" Red Ribbon Campaign on base. Throughout the year, health professionals conduct approximately 4,000 drug tests utilizing a computer-generated random system.

Tests are conducted eight days a month, and samples are shipped tests to Brooks City Base, Texas, to be analyzed. Positive results are reviewed by physicians here to determine if the findings are excused or inexcusable. Fewer than one percent of cases where samples result in a positive test can not be explained by a legitimate prescription.

"That's a good thing, but we'd like it to be zero in accordance with policy," said Colonel Howard. "The Air Force has made great strides in reducing the use of illicit drugs because of the demand reduction program. It gives commanders the information necessary to discharge individuals who refuse to follow the rules."

Knowing this, everyone on base involved with this process gets out and spreads the "don't do drugs" message year-round in effort to prevent drug use. To reach individuals with this message, Tyndall has a dedicated team of first sergeants, commanders, security forces, fire fighters, Civil Air Patrol cadet volunteers, Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents, staff judge advocate representatives, DOD civilians and Life Skills and Drug Demand Reduction staff.

Red Ribbon Week originated as a tribute to Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" S. Camarena of the Drug Enforcement Administration, said DOD officials. In 1985, he was killed by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico. His death enraged many Americans in his hometown of Calexico, Calif., and they began to wear red ribbons to commemorate his sacrifice. The anti-drug message spread quickly, and in 1988, the National Family Partnership took the Red Ribbon celebration nationwide.

The red ribbon symbolizes a stop sign - stop the violence of drug use. It is also worn to attract attention and focus on a common cause. It is a promise to maintain commitment to the health and safety of families, young people and self.

For more information, contact the drug testing office at 283-4980.