Arizona and New Mexico Guard members train kids in drug awareness camp

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Adrian Borunda | Sgt. Pedro Villanez, Civil Operations operator, lectures Freedom Academy participants about the importance of the Army Values and how to integrate them into their daily lives at the YMCA’s Camp Chauncey Aug. 10. Freedom Academies like these are conducted by Civil Operations Operators to teach at-risk children from around the state the importance of a drug-free life.  

PRESCOTT, AZ, UNITED STATES

08.12.2012

Story by Spc. Adrian Borunda 

123rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

PRESCOTT, Ariz. - The Arizona and New Mexico National Guardsmen conducted a joint camp that taught children the importance of living drug free and self- improvement at Chauncey Ranch, Aug. 9-12.

Civil Operations operators such as Sgt. 1st Class Stefanie Jefferson, program manager of Civil Operations for Joint Counter Narco-Terrorism Task Force, help children learn the importance of developing a good self image, becoming better members of society, and living a drug-free life during the Freedom Academies.

“Our mission is to provide youth with opportunities to increase self-esteem and a little community building as well. An other goal we have is reducing drug use among the youth as well as in their neighborhoods,” said Jefferson.

This was also the first time a joint camp was held by members of two different National Guard Civil Operations teams from different states.

“What makes this camp so special is that it is a collaborative effort between New Mexico and Arizona to better our communities,” said Jefferson.

The soldiers and airmen that make up these teams are volunteers that go through a rigorous selection process.

“Typically, it is an application process that requires a thorough background check. We want quality soldiers. Soldiers are held to a high standard, we are held to a higher standard,” said Jefferson

The children who participated in this camp come from different neighborhoods, backgrounds and ethnicities, but they are all at risk for being exposed to drugs in their communities.

“Some of the children attending the camp come from areas off the I-40 drug corridor in New Mexico and have been identified as being at high-risk for potential drug use,” said Sgt. 1st Class Wilbert Romero, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the New Mexico Civil Operations team who assisted in managing the camp.

The duration and location of the camp change based on the needs of the communities that the Civil Operations teams work with.

The camps last three to four days and have taken place in many different locations across Arizona including Oracle, Heber, Camp Navajo, and Prescott.

The Freedom Academies have been in the Arizona National Guard since 1993.

• Date Taken: 08.12.2012
• Date Posted: 08.28.2012 14:32
• Story ID: 93925
• Location: PRESCOTT, AZ, US