Louisiana Army and Air National Guard

Story by Sgt. Beyonka Joseph

SLIDELL, La. – Members of the Louisiana National Guard's Counter Drug Task Force team provided the students of St. Cletus Catholic School in Gretna, La., with a lesson in team building during a field trip to the Ropes Challenge Course at Camp Villere in Slidell, La., last month.

"This course has been a good way for us to reach out to the kids," said Tech. Sgt. Michael J. Timmreck of the Louisiana Air National Guard. "It teaches them how to work together as a team and allows for a chance to see how working in a structured environment helps them communicate in a better way. "

The one day course, which is part of the LANG Counter Drug Demand Reduction Program, is a combination of low and high obstacles designed to encourage growth at both team and individual levels. It focuses on teamwork, communication and problem solving skills by challenging the participants to work together to complete its various obstacles.

Timmreck explained that the course also teaches them skills that can be used throughout life to prevent them from making the wrong choices.

"We want to educate them on the negative effects of drug use but also provide them with life skills," he said. "As they get older, we hope they will be less likely to get involved in the wrong things; it helps keep them on a positive path."

For 13-year-old Rachel Lusk, the course allowed her a way to open up to her classmates.

"The course was really helpful and fun," Lusk said. "It taught me about team work and how to talk to my classmates."

"Seeing the kids' faces, their excitement and growth, makes my job that much more meaningful," said Sgt. 1st Class Melissa V. Flatau of the LANG. "It reassures me that our program and relationships with the students are making a positive influence in their lives."

Flatau is also an active part of the Too Good for Drugs Program, which is a school-based prevention program that focuses on reducing the intent to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in middle and high school students.

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