Drug free Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing/ Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Tyndall Air Force Base Drug Demand Reduction program won the 2008 Department of Defense Drug Demand Reduction Program Award.

"The Drug Demand Reduction Program at Tyndall is an exceptional program, which has had a remarkable success in increasing drug awareness and deterring substance abuse," said Brigadier General Darryl Roberson, 325th Fighter Wing Commander.

Amazingly, the program was organized and ran by only three DOD employees; Hank R. Leroshe, Brenda K. Brown, and Master Sgt. Patrick Conlin.

"Their interactive approach, prevention programs and partnerships with other local agencies in the community have synergistically impacted audiences across the spectrum," said General Roberson. "It is clear that Tyndall's DDRP is the cornerstone to making this a drug free base."

The DDRP team contributes a large portion of their success to the help from other units on base.

"I accredit all of this to the different people playing and working together, and the DDRP staff," said Brenda Brown, last year's program manager who was has recently been re-assigned to the position of 325th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Assistant.

Among the units helping with the program were the Health and Wellness Center, Family Advocacy, Mental Health, Office of Special Investigation and Security Forces.

Within the last fiscal year, DDRP has not only reached out to servicemembers, but also their families. Red Ribbon Week is a key example.

This campaign runs every year during the last week in October. During this week, there are several activities focused on raising drug prevention awareness.

Tyndall's campaign slogan last year was, "Look at me, I'm drug Free." The kickoff began in the Base Exchange parking lot, where over 300 people attended.

However, the programs main focus is the Airman.

Leading up to Spring Break 2008, DDRP started a campaign called, "Is it worth it?" Members from the Integrated Delivery System attended squadron gatherings.

IDS held discussions where they were able to depict scenarios and allow servicemembers to weigh the outcome depending on their actions.

Each squadron that used this teaching tool reported absolutely no illegal drug use during the two month spring break timeframe.

Over the last fiscal year Tyndall saw a 9 percent decrease in illegal drug use, which in turn saved the government $15,000.

DDRP is also looking to the future. They said they plan to work just as hard this year as last.

"We are going to put forth our best effort," said Mr. LeRoshe, 325th Aero-Medical Dental Squadron Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager. "We already have this coming years activities planned."

The DDRP is scheduled to receive the award Oct. 23 at the Pentagon.