Courtesy Photo | A member of the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force shows students how to...... read more read more
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Schools may take a break from formal education during the summer, but for the 10 noncommissioned officers of the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force prevention team, it’s no time for vacation. In fact, the summer months are when operations are kicked into high gear.
Summertime camp programs and church sponsored activities are the perfect opportunity to reach kids with a drug prevention message. These organizations request visits from the Counterdrug Task Force.
The prevention team focuses on the reduction of the demand for illegal substances. Soldiers and Airmen are stationed throughout the state and provide support to their specific regions.
Sgt. 1st Class Toby Corder, a Northern California Region Drug Demand Reduction noncommissioned officer from MacArthur, Calif., said his days are busy. He travels often, some days, driving two to three hours one way to reach a school or camp. But he said the long drive is worth it.
“When I visit kids, my job is to get them the message and help them become productive kids and one day productive citizens,” Corder explained. “That’s my own personal motivation.”
Corder operates in Northern California and covers seven counties: Shasta, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, Humbolt, Del Norte and Trinity.
Corder is regularly invited back to speak with students. In that way, the success of the prevention efforts in Northern California rest on his shoulders. He happily accepts this responsibility.
“I represent the prevention message, the community leaders, the military and the Counterdrug Task Force,” he said. “I have to put forward the best program I can.”
Corder attributes his success over the past five years to the personal relationship he cultivates on a daily basis.
“I know my audience,” Corder said. “I know the parents, the school administrators and the cops in my area.”
Sgt. 1st Class John Holihan has been the Sacramento region drug demand reduction prevention NCO for the past five years.
Corder and Holihlan have experience working with children of all ages. Their method of teaching is to involve each child in the learning process, rather than just lecturing.
“You just can’t issue orders,” said Holihan, who likes to foster a discussion format. “These kids are resilient, but they don’t always have someone to talk to. I provide someone to talk to, an escape for them.”
Corder echoed these sentiments, adding that, “Kids don’t respond to being told to stay off drugs,” he explained. “’Say no to drugs” is an old message that didn’t work. I give them strength to believe in their own goals—to be an athlete, a doctor, and service members. I empower them to make positive choices in their lives and to understand their actions—whether good or bad.”
Interactive conversations are just one ingredient to reaching children. The prevention representatives do physical exercises or problem solving games to help the children get comfortable with them.
“The military uniform can be intimidating,” Corder said.
Holihan believes the difficulty in reaching a child is deeper than dependent on what you’re wearing.
In a world of texting, tweeting, and very little person to person interaction, kids can be withdrawn from each other even when they are sitting next to one other, Holihan explained.
Whatever the reason for the social barriers, it’s broken during the games and exercises. Plus, there’s a positive message in each activity without the child even knowing it.
“They walk away understanding how teamwork helps them achieve results in that game,” Corder said.
The children’s reactions are mixed, Corder said. Just like adults, children can be absorbed in a topic or completely apathetic.
Corder finds children up to fifth grade are involved in his class. His message then, has to change depending on age and community.
“We don’t just educate kids,” Corder said. “We also are involved in community-based organizations which reach out to parents. We run parents classes like a town hall where they can come in and ask questions.”
Holihan’s favorite mission is visiting the local youth correctional facility. These kids have been in trouble with the law for theft or drug abuse. He finds innovative ways to motivate them.
“When you present a child with a challenge or a problem, they just want to solve it,” Holihan said. He visits the facility every other week. He believes these regular visits has made a difference in the kids’ lives.
“The staff at the facility has told me there are less fights and problems because of my regular involvement,” Holihan said.
His job has made a difference in his life as well.
“I don’t think there’s ever been an event with a youth that I haven’t left in a good mood,” he said.
Corder tailors his message to the problems facing his region with a combination of on-the-job experience, formal education and research. To stay relevant, Corder’s biggest tool is the Healthy Kids survey given every other year to students nationwide.
“Kids are brutally honest on [the surveys],” Corder said.
The surveys help identify the problems children face in his region. For example, he does not teach an anti-ecstasy program where no ecstasy problem exists.
In front of his audience, Corder utilizes skills taught to him through DARE courses offered through the California Police Officer’s Association, and Stay on Track, a class offered by the National Guard Bureau.
“I ask them questions they have to answer with more than a yes or no.” Corder said.
As the children begin leading the discussion, he gauges their responses and what they already know about the topic.
“The problem’s pervasiveness is evident on the children’s faces,” he said. “When I talk, I watch their reactions. They have heard of it, seen it, smelled it.”
He takes the feedback he receives from students and uses it to improve his style and methods.
“In third grade and below the message we teach kids is about safety, how to use a cross walk and understanding Stranger Danger and right and wrong,” Corder said.
These messages are universal and help kids get through their day safely. As the child grows, the message matures as well.
For high school students, Corder said he knows they’re exposed to elements of drug and alcohol. They may have used the substances, or know a friend who has. Corder reminds them how the illegal use of drugs and alcohol can hinder their life goals, As always, he focuses his message on making good choices that will have a positive impact in their lives now and in the future.
| Date Taken: | 08.19.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2014 13:11 |
| Story ID: | 142722 |
| Location: | SACRAMENTO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Drug prevention: A year-round effort, by CPT Kara Siepmann, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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