RED RIBBON WEEK COMMEMORATES SACRIFICE

"I can't not do this. I'm only one person but I want to make a
difference." Those were the words of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena used to
explain his decision to join the United States Drug Enforcement
Agency (DEA) in the 1980s.

Camarena, who was born in a dirt-floored house, was a college
graduate, former United States Marine and current police officer when
his decision to make a difference was made. What he didn't know was
just how much of a difference to which his decision would lead.

The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover investigating a major drug
cartel thought to involve individuals throughout Mexican law
enforcement, military and government. In February of 1985, five men
kidnapped Camarena. It was last time he was ever seen alive. One
month later, his body was found in a shallow grave bearing signs of torture.

In remembrance of Camarena's sacrifice and his dedication to battling
illegal drug use and sale, those who knew him began wearing red satin
badges in his honor. Coalitions of parents dedicated to drug
prevention, which had just begun spreading across the country at the
time, began taking Camarena as an example of the belief on person can
make a difference. Many of these coalitions took the red badges as a
symbol of their dedication, and the red ribbon was born.

The first Red Ribbon Campaign was organized by the National Family
Partnership (NFP) in 1988. The campaign was aimed at education and
prevention of drug abuse in children and young adults. Today, the NFP
estimates Red Ribbon Week events are participated in by over 80
million Americans.

Area schools will participate in Red Ribbon Week again this year.
Events will be held for all levels of schooling throughout both the
Ridgway and Johnsonburg School districts from Monday, Oct. 23 through
Friday, Oct. 27. Special focus will be given to encourage student to
participate in the schools' Stand Tall Against Drug and Alcohol
programs, in which students sign a pledge to stay drug and alcohol free.

More information on Red Ribbon Week and agent Camarena can be found
at www.dea.gov/ongoing/redribbon2.html or at www.nfp.org/redribbon.htm.