EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A Drug Demand Reduction rally at Eglin Elementary School kicked off Red Ribbon Week Oct. 24.
The national Red Ribbon Campaign runs annually between Oct. 23-31. It is designed to educate children to stay drug free.
DDR program representatives visited second graders in the school’s gym. They spoke about the dangers of drugs and gave solutions for situations where drugs are present or offered, such as notifying a parent, teacher or a police officer.
Master Sgt. Louis Dewitt, a 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron volunteer, engaged with the enthusiastic young audience.
“They’re pretty smart for their age,” he said.
The kids were divided into two groups at one point. One group called out “See something!” and the other responded with “Say something!”
Dewitt thought the rally went well.
“Our goal is to get the word out about drug prevention and awareness, and to give the kids resources to go to, even at their young age,” he said. “I think they understood the message that drugs are out there and we’re here to help.”
Other Red Ribbon Week events included rallies at area schools, base leadership briefings, and Information booths at the base exchange and commissary.
For more information, call (850) 200-2874.