FOR RELEASE: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024
CONTACT: Colorado National Guard Public Affairs, 720-250-1053, ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@mail.mil
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – During Red Ribbon Month, the Colorado National Guard Joint Counter Drug Task Force, in partnership with Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement officials, is visiting children in Colorado schools to tell them about the importance of drug-free living and making positive choices.
A CONG Black Hawk helicopter carrying DEA and other partners is landing at schools across Colorado through the end of October.
“DEA’s ‘Red Ribbon Campaign’ gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lawton Hare, Counterdrug Coordinator for the Colorado National Guard JCDTF, said. “The campaign brings together parents, police, emergency services, schools and businesses as we look for ways to keep kids and communities drug free.”
Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations.
In 1985, drug traffickers killed DEA Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice.