Pope celebrates Red Ribbon Week Published Oct. 24, 2009 By Drug Demand Response Program 43rd Airlift Wing POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Pope joins with the Department of Defense to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles during Red Ribbon Week 2009 which began Oct. 21 and runs until Oct. 31. "Red Ribbon Week is a national observance to remind us of the dangers of drug abuse and the benefit of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle," said Davis Chu, Under Secretary of Defense. "The Department of Defense has been in the forefront of the nation's efforts to combat illegal drugs. Whether it is voluntarily reaching out to others in need of help, we have been steadfast in our endeavors to confront this problem." The first Red Ribbon celebration was organized in 1986 by a grassroots organization of parents concerned about the destruction caused by alcohol and drug abuse. The red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the movement in honor of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who was kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers. The campaign has reached millions of children and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress. "Red Ribbon Week is a chance to be visible and vocal in our desire for a drug-free community," said Tracy Deveault, Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager. "Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse." Pope members are encouraged to participate by displaying red ribbons. For more information about Red Ribbon Week or prevention resources, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/10/20011024-3.html, http://tricare.mil/tma/DDRP/Red-Ribbon-Week.aspx, http://www.nfp.org/ or contact the Drug Demand Reduction Program at 394-1182 and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment at (910) 394-4700.