AUSTIN, Texas – On a cold and rainy morning at Camp Mabry, National Guard service members would normally be inside conducting their physical training, safe from the elements. Oct. 30 was not one of those days to stay inside as more than 100 people were ready to run in support of the Red Ribbon Campaign.
Despite the threat of winter thunderstorms, red ribbon supporters were there to have fun and raise drug awareness.
“It is important because of what the event represents and that people are willing to accept a little discomfort to show support for a campaign that matters,” said Warrant Officer 1 Kevin Hager, the Civil Operations officer in charge for the Texas National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force. “Keeping kids drug free.”
The event was part of the national Red Ribbon Campaign in honor of the Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique Camarena who was kidnapped and killed by a drug cartel in the 1980s.
“This event is important in that it reinforces our partnerships with our coalition and law enforcement partners,” said Hager. “Red Ribbon is one of the most widely known anti-drug campaigns and it matters that we are a part of it and physical fitness is important.”
Some Counterdrug task force members remember Red Ribbon Week during October in school and now are supporting law enforcement.
“When I was in school I went through Red Ribbon drug awareness,” said Spc. Jose Jacques, a Counterdrug medical readiness task force member, “and to be able to participate and contribute as an adult is awesome to me.”
A lot went into the planning and preparation, but it was seeing the event unfold that was the best part.
“To see everything come together,” said Hager, “and everyone show up and have a good time.”
Music was blasting to get people ready and everyone was outfitted with a Counterdrug “Drug Free Starts With Me” t-shirt for participating and give everyone a sense of camaraderie.
“This is a large family,” said Jacques. “We work together to stop drug use and abuse.”
- 30 -