Goodfellow recognizes Red Ribbon Week Published Oct. 28, 2013 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment teamed up with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for the Concho Valley to raise awareness during Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23 to 31 on Goodfellow and in the surrounding community. According to the National Family Partnership, a national leader in drug prevention education and advocacy, Red Ribbon Campaign is the largest and oldest drug awareness campaign dating back to 1985. Red Ribbon Week began in response to the murder of Enrique Camarena, Drug Enforcement Administration agent. Parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of illegal drugs and drug use in America. "Red Ribbon Week raises awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and keeps an eye on the illegal use of prescription medicine," said Senior Airman Charles Metts, ADAPT technician. "For example, many people hold onto their old prescriptions which is unwise because taking medication past a prescription date is considered illegal drug use." Goodfellow's ADAPT program along with ADACCV hold events throughout Red Ribbon Week to educate individuals on drug abuse. From paper bags decorated by the children at the Child Development Center to distributing red ribbons on ceramic sheep mascots in downtown San Angelo. Red Ribbon week events and activities included: - Red Ribbon Week education/paper bag decorating at GAFB Youth Center Oct. 23 - Distributing red ribbons on ceramic sheep in downtown San Angelo with ADACCV Oct. 24 - San Angelo Police Department set-up for the SAPD Bully Run and work Red Ribbon Week table at Oct. 26 - San Angelo Courthouse Proclamation for Red Ribbon Week Oct. 28. - Distributing red ribbons during the Boys and Girls Club at San Angelo Fall Festival Oct. 29. "Every event we are doing is increasing awareness and education about Red Ribbon Week and thereby increasing awareness and education about drugs," said Metts. "If we prevent one individual from taking drugs or motivate one individual to prevent others from using drugs then we have made a difference." Metts also said that he feels that the week helps him make an impact on people's lives around him. "Red Ribbon Week is important to me because I feel like I have the ability to make a difference in someone's future by curtailing them from drug use," said Metts. "The Goodfellow ADAPT technicians and I also enjoy the off-base collaboration we get to be involved with to not only make a difference on base but to make a difference in the community." Red Ribbon Week isn't important to just Metts, but to individuals of all ages. "Drugs can affect any and all age groups so it is very important to spread awareness about drugs and stress the importance of being drug free," added Metts.
