Red Ribbon Week wraps up Published Oct. 28, 2010 By Carl Grusnick 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base -- Red ribbons are generally associated with birthday gifts and Christmas presents. But during the last week of October, it becomes a symbol for drug awareness education. Red Ribbon Week in October kicks off annual drug prevention programs, highlighting continuing prevention, early intervention and treatment education available in schools and their communities. Volunteer groups, in concert with local organizations and institutions, participate in transmitting the dangers of drug misuse. Red Ribbon Week began as a remembrance for Enrique Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Special Agent who was killed by Mexican drug cartel gunmen, in 1985. Camarena's memorial has transformed itself into a year-round effort to provide multiple opportunities for students, parents, teachers and others to join together to address substance abuse and violence in the community. This year, Kirtland's Drug Demand Reduction Manager Stephen Adams provided prevention and outreach materials to students and teachers at the base's Wherry and Sandia elementary schools. "While we are involved in drug education all year long, the Red Ribbon Week provides us a special opportunity to reach out to youth during a week set aside for drug education," said Adams. This year's activity focused on the misuse of prescription medication. "The key to demand reduction is education, and when done at an early age it can have lasting results," adds Adams.