Marines help community observe Red Ribbon Week Published Oct. 5, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua 17th Training Wing/Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Red was the color at the San Angelo Coliseum Sept. 29 as the local community gathered to observe the Annual Red Ribbon Week. The drug prevention program started in 1985 after the abduction, torture and subsequent murder of former Marine and Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena. Hundreds of students from elementary and high schools filled the seats clad in red T-shirts and ribbons, eager to partake in the anti-drug activities, pledging to live a drug-free life while paying tribute to Agent Camarena. "It is a nationwide campaign that promotes his belief that one person can make a difference," said Marine Staff Sgt. Samuel Castro, Marine Corps Detachment. The sergeant added that it's important to observe the week because the country is still facing the same problems with narcotics and drug-related violence today that Agent Camarena died fighting. "The issues have only been compounded by the high level of demand for narcotics here in the United States," Staff Sgt. Castro said. "Education and honest discussion with our children regarding the harm drugs bring to our communities are an important part of the solution." For the past three years, Goodfellow Marines have been involved in anti-drug campaigns including speaking at the Positive Role-models In Drug Education (P.R.I.D.E.) student meetings and providing mentorship. The Marines were well represented, commencing the event by posting Colors and singing the National Anthem. Staff Sgt. Castro also gave a speech focusing on the reason behind the event. "Having conducted counter-narcotics operations in South America and seeing first-hand the drug-related violence growing up, I have a personal connection to Agent Camarena's legacy," Staff Sgt. Castro said. "I named my first-born son after him and it has been an honor to pass on his story to the children of San Angelo."
