RAF Lakenheath observes Red Ribbon Week Published Oct. 23, 2008 By Shelley Satterlee Demand Reduction Program Manager ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- National Red Ribbon Observance at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell will be held from Oct. 23 to 31. Red Ribbon Week is dedicated to raising awareness of drug use, abuse and addiction. Each October communities and military installations worldwide celebrate the Red Ribbon campaign in memory of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Carmarena who was slain in the line of duty while working undercover in Mexico in 1985. Many people from Camarena's home state of California began wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice. Four years later, an eight-day Red Ribbon Week was proclaimed by the U.S. Congress. The wearing of a red ribbon has now become a symbol of awareness to choose to live lives unmarred by drug abuse. National Red Ribbon Week Campaign is meant to focus our attention on the significant impact substance abuse has on our nation. Drug abuse is a leading cause of preventable disease, accidents, crime and death. This year, the RAF Mildenhall Drug Demand Reduction Program in conjunction with the RAF Lakenheath Drug Demand Reduction Program and a myriad of other Team Mildenhall and Team Lakenheath organizations will provide a variety of drug prevention outreach and education. The following is the schedule of events: Oct. 23 to 29 - Display at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath Libraries Oct. 24 to 31 - Essay Contest open to all, "Who is Your Hero and Why?" Oct. 23 - Drug Prevention puppet show at RAF Feltwell Elementary School Oct. 28 - Drug Prevention puppet show at RAF Lakenheath Elementary School Oct. 24 - Texting competition at Lakenheath High School Oct. 31 - Demand Reduction drug presentations on hazards of drug usage and skills to deter drug usage at RAF Mildenhall Youth Activities Center Week-long - Quiz at Lakenheath High School