MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Seven Substance Abuse Control Officers here were awarded certificates of appreciation by the Substance Abuse Counseling Center Oct. 17.
This was the first time awards like these were given out here at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, said Dr. Vicki Braun, supervisor for the Substance Abuse Counseling Center.
"It seemed appropriate to give the SACOs these awards, not only because it is Red Ribbon Week, but because of the additional duty that they do," said Braun.
Besides working in their regular military specialties, being a Substance Abuse Control Officer is a collateral duty that the service members do voluntarily, according to Braun.
Each SACO is a representative for his or her own unit. The awards were given out to Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Stone from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, Staff Sgt. Timothy Ayers from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Staff Sgt. Javier Figueroa from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, Petty Officer 1st Class Ariel DeJesus from the Branch Medical Clinic, Petty Officer 1st Class Alfredo Ranola from Combat Service Support Detachment 36, Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Cooke from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and Petty Officer 1st Class Delores Davis-Stewart Marine Aircraft Group 12.
The purpose of there being a SACO is to counsel and provide guidance to Marines and Sailors on the hazards of alcohol, drugs and dietary supplement abuse.
"We're trying to deglamorize alcohol, and other drugs as well," said Sgt. LaMont D. Wilson, substance abuse counselor at the Substance Abuse Counseling Center.
The counselors are able to deal with all types of addictions and abuses, however most of their time is spent on alcohol related issues.
The counselors are also available to all those aboard the Station who simply want to learn more about the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse.
The SACOs also give professional military education classes on substance abuse and are in charge of giving the urinalysis tests.
Because of the efforts of the SACO volunteers, any Marine or Sailor can seek help and know they will be pointed in the right direction by a knowledgeable, caring professional. Just being in this position to help is a reward in itself, said Cooke.