Photo By Lt. Col. John Reynolds | Soldiers from the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command were in attendance during a...... read more read more
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LOS ANGELES - The 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command held a ceremony celebrating National Red Ribbon Week, an event celebrating the life of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, at the West Los Angeles U.S. Army Reserve Center Oct. 29.
As part of the Army's commitment and support to a nation-wide Substance Abuse Campaign, this year's Red Ribbon Week theme is, “Love Yourself. Be Drug Free." The Red Ribbon Campaign became a symbol of support for the DEA efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and educational programs.
“National Red Ribbon Week is a campaign that has been supported by the Army since 1988,” said 311th ESC Drug and Alcohol Control Officer and event organizer Ms. Charlotte Jennings. “This is a nationwide campaign that celebrates the life of undercover DEA special agent Enrique “Kiki” S. Camarena who was murdered in 1985.”
This event was held in the Reserve Center drill hall and included an invocation by Ms. Gina Garabedian, a presentation by Patricia Burns, 311th ESC equal opportunity program manager, and skits that portrayed the dangers of drugs like GHB, Ketamine and Rohypnol.
GHB, Ketamine and Rohypnol have all been associated with date rapes as they can easily be added to beverages. GHB makes users feel intoxicated, energized, happy, talkative and social, affectionate and playful. Ketamine can cause hallucinations and Rohypnol gives users a relaxed, mellow, sleepy feeling that lasts between two to eight hours.
“Camarena served in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years then became a special agent with the DEA. In 1985 he was extremely close to unlocking a multi-million dollar drug pipeline when he was murdered,” said Jennings. “Each year, during the last week in October, more than 80 million people show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free life by wearing or displaying the Red Ribbon to honor his memory.”
Camarena had been working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years. His efforts led to a tip that resulted in the discovery of a multi-million dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico. The DEA's investigation revealed that Camarena had been tortured before he was kidnapped and murdered.
Red Ribbon Week is recognized and celebrated to help preserve the memory of DEA special agent Camarena and further the cause for which he gave his life. By participating in a Red Ribbon ceremony the 311th ESC also pays homage to all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation's struggle against drug trafficking and abuse.
The day’s events also included a promotion ceremony when 2nd Lt. (P) Erika Vera was promoted to first lieutenant by Col. Gaspare Magaddino, her husband Walter Vera and Charlotte Jennings. Brig. Gen. (P) Scottie Carpenter, 311th ESC commanding general, was also in attendance to deliver the closing remarks.
| Date Taken: | 10.29.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.04.2014 11:37 |
| Story ID: | 146932 |
| Location: | LOS ANGELES, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 83 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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