MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- From Oct. 19 – 23, the station recognized and participated in Red Ribbon Week, then finished it out with the 3rd annual Red Ribbon Fun Run Oct.23 at the parade deckhere.
It was open to all service members and station community members. Participants were allowed to walk or run the course. The course was increased from one and a half miles to a 5K run this year.
Red Ribbon Week is the largest and oldest drugprevention campaign in the United States. Red Ribbon Week began after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985.
Camarena enlisted in the Marines in 1972 and served two years before joining the DEA. On Feb. 7, 1985, he was kidnapped in broad daylight on a street in Guadalajara, Mexico, and was tortured and beat to death soon after.
The nationwide “Red Ribbon Campaign” was started in his memory. It teaches school kids to avoid drug use.
“I felt it was great,” said Kevin Chang, a participant in the Red Ribbon Fun Run. “There were a lot of motivated Marines out there.”
The first event kicked off on Oct. 19 with some of the counseling staff passing out red ribbons at the main gate.
Station members were encouraged to wear a red ribbon for the week in support of a drug-free lifestyle.
“Raising awareness and making people notice that there are organizations that can help to overcome that addiction is great attentiveness right here,” said Chang.
Live radio interviews regarding various drugs and alcohol related subjects by various guest speakers took place throughout the week.
“It gives the history of RRW, it provides education to our youth and a refresher for adults about the constant challenges that we are presented with on a daily basis in regards to substance usage and abuse,” said Terrence J. Riley, substance abuse control officer.
On Oct. 21 American Forces Network conducted a live radio show at the Crossroads Mall to get the community involved. They also allowed the community members to express their opinions over the station’s radio station.
“Thanks to all that participated and continue the education process throughout the year, keep your guard up because substances don’t discriminate. Anyone can fall victim to the power those substances posses,” said Riley.
For additional information on next year’s Red Ribbon Week or how to volunteer, call Marine and Family Services at 253-3779.