Drug free is the way to be Published Oct. 22, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- From Oct. 23 to 31, Fairchild is celebrating Red Ribbon Week to promote a pledge to be drug free. More than 80 million people across the country wear red ribbons for the annual event to support drug free lifestyles. To recognize and celebrate this week, Master Sgt. Mark Stenzel, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron Drug Demand Reduction Program manager, is visiting fifth graders at Michael Anderson Elementary School to discuss and educate students about drugs. "In the discussion with the students, I will be covering what drugs are, what they do to the body, and the importance of maintaining a drug free life," said Stenzel. During the week, unmanned booths at the clinic and at the Base Exchange will be available during lunch hours for patrons to show their support and be educated about Red Ribbon Week, Stenzel added. "It's important for youth to know about being drug free because drugs can ruin their lives," Stenzel said. "It has an economic, physical and emotional impact on potential to become a productive citizen." According to Lt. Col. Jason Lennen, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron commander, Red Ribbon Week brings awareness to the dangers of illegal drug use and demonstrates Fairchild's willingness, as a community, to take a stand against it. "As Air Force members, we know illegal drug use is incompatible with military service and we have zero tolerance for it," said Lennen. "Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity for us to share this same message of drug intolerance with our children, families, friends and community." While wearing a red ribbon represents being drug free, it also shows respect and support to the men and women that sacrificed their lives while fighting against drugs. Red Ribbon Week started when Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, Drug Enforcement Agency agent, was tortured to death at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while working undercover to investigate a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. Weeks after his death, California congressman, Duncan Hunter, launched "Camarena Club." Members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices Camerena made on behalf of all Americans. Friends and neighbors also wore red ribbons in memory of his battle against illegal drugs. This idea was presented to first lady Nancy Reagan and was formalized in 1988. Today, the National Family Partnership sponsors the national event. For more information about Red Ribbon Week, call Master Sgt. Stenzel at 509-247-2731.