Pubdate: Wed, 26 Oct 2005
Source: Stars and Stripes - Pacific Edition (Asia)
Copyright: 2005 Stars and Stripes
Contact:  http://www.estripes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1511
Note: LTEs require name, APO address and phone number.
Author: David Allen, Stars and Stripes
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Red+Ribbon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

KIDS ON OKINAWA TO EXPLORE NEW WAYS TO 'JUST SAY NO'

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa -- School children on U.S. military bases on
Okinawa will be doing their best to outdo each other in finding new
ways to "Just Say No" during National Red Ribbon Week.

On Monday the III Marine Expeditionary Force jazz band will perform at
Zukeran Elementary School on Camp Foster for "We Band Together Against
Drugs Day."

On Tuesday at Kinser Elementary School on Camp Kinser, students will
wear their shirts backwards to "Turn your back on drugs."

Thursday is the "Band Together" day at Kinser Elementary, when the II
MEF Band will make another appearance and McGruff the Crime Dog will
howl against drugs as well as join students in circling the school.

Later in the day, at noon, the III MEF Band will perform at an
assembly for the Parent and Teachers Association at Zukeran Elementary
School on Camp Foster.

Also on Thursday, the entire student body of Kubasaki High School is
planning on spelling out a human anti-drug message on the football
field.

On Friday the III Marine Expeditionary Force will lead a parade at
Kadena Elementary School. At nearby Kadena Middle School, a community
rally will kick off at 8 p.m. and a family activity night will feature
several special events, according to 18th Wing Public Affairs.

 From 7:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday on Torii Station there will be a
joint-services "Heels, Wheels and Paws" fun run and walk.

In February 1985, Mexican drug dealers kidnapped and killed the agent,
former Marine Enrique "Kiki" Camarena as he got close to cracking a
multibillion dollar drug ring that allegedly extended into the highest
reaches of the Mexican army, police and government. Red Ribbon Week
began in 1988 to honor the fallen Drug Enforcement Agency officer.

The National Family Partnership, which coordinates Red Ribbon
activities nationally, estimates more than 80 million Americans take
part in Red Ribbon events. Red Ribbon Week is observed annually to
make students aware of the dangers of drugs, highlighting community
prevention programs.

Visit www.nfp.org for more information on Red Ribbon Week.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake