Fairchild celebrates Red Ribbon Week Published Oct. 30, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Brooke Williams, 92nd Security Forces Squadron and Tech. Sgt. Amy Steward, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Red Ribbon Week is celebrated with the theme "The Best Me is Drug Free," in communities all across the United States. This year's campaign ran from Oct. 23 - 31. The Red Ribbon campaign started after a Drug Enforcement Administration agent was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was working undercover investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found. He had been tortured to death. In honor of his memory and battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began wearing red badges of satin. Parents fed up with the destruction caused by alcohol and drugs, began forming coalitions. The coalitions adopted the symbol in Camarena's memory, the red ribbon. The drug demand reduction office teamed up with security forces and Balfour Beatty to help broadcast the message throughout the Fairchild community. Throughout the week, various organizations from across the base held activities promoting a drug-free world. Michael Anderson Elementary handed out bags filled with items designed to encourage students to resist drugs. The Balfour Beatty Community Center held a "Plant the Promise" event where red tulip bulbs were planted as members pledged to stay drug free. In early spring, the tulips are expected to bloom and serve as a reminder for those who made the decision to practice a drug-free lifestyle. Oct. 31 was host to the Halloween Pumpkin Patrols, where volunteers from across the wing handed out glow sticks and red ribbons as kids took to the streets for trick-or-treating. By wearing a red ribbon, Americans show their strong opposition to drugs and pay respect to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in support of the nation's struggle against drugs. Have the courage to simply say "No!" As Camarena told his mother before joining the DEA, "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference."