New Mexico Minuteman - Winter 2012

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NMNG celebrates Red Ribbon Week By Spc. Brad Beitler, CDS Mentorship coordinator The New Mexico National Guard Drug Demand Reduction section celebrated a successful Red Ribbon Week at schools and organizations statewide. National Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. It is an ideal way for people, schools and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. By wearing the Red Ribbon, an individual shows a personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. The Red Ribbon campaign was started when drug traffi ckers in Mexico City murdered Kiki Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Agency agent in 1985. Since then, the annual tradition of displaying Red Ribbons symbolizes intolerance toward the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon campaign is to present a unifi ed and visible commitment toward the creation of a drug-free nation. “Red Ribbon Week is an outstanding opportunity for Soldiers and Airmen to interact and educate the youth of our communities,” said 1st Sgt. Patrick Chavez, Drug Demand Reduction administrator. “This celebration allows DDR personnel to show how passionate we are about our mission of drug prevention and reduction.” In honor of this important mission, DDR and Soldiers throughout the state organized and participated in festivities at numerous schools and organizations throughout New Mexico including, in Albuquerque, Washington Middle School, Truman Middle School, Garfi eld Middle School, Van Buren Middle School, Rudolfo Anaya Elementary, and Alamosa Community Center. The Las Cruces celebrations were at Sierra Middle School, Valley View Elementary, Camino Real Middle School, Deming High School and Sonoma Elementary. Additionally, DDR Soldiers helped coordinate anti-drug events in Espanola at Fairview Elementary, Velarde Elementary, Carlos F. Vigil Middle School, Chimayo Elementary, and a community “Mini Drug Walk.” 10 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Winter 2012 Junior Army Guard cadets from Truman Middle School perform a fl ag folding ceremony during the opening celebration of Red Ribbon Week. DDR also supported Red Ribbon missions at Ann Parrish Elementary in Los Lunas, Rio Rancho’s Mountain View Middle School, Ojo Caliente’s North Central Community Based Services and the Bloomfi eld Police Department. The New Mexico National Guard Drug Demand Reduction section could not have completed these successful missions without the outstanding support of their anti-drug community partners, including the Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque Fire Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Attorney’s Offi ce, Northern Rio Arriba Communities Health Coalition, New Mexico State Police, Rio Arriba DWI Coalition, Northern New Mexico Drug Summit Coalition, Las Cruces Police Department, Las Cruces Fire Department, New Mexico Border Patrol, and numerous other generous organizations. Red Ribbon Week allows Soldiers, teachers, students, and community members to learn about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and gangs as well as to participate in enjoyable learning
activities such as rock wall climbing, helicopter displays and tours, drug sniffi ng dog demonstrations, DUI unit tours, fi re truck tours, an infl atable obstacle course, motorcycle police offi cers, police car tours, and numerous other opportunities for students to learn about the dangers of drugs from New Mexico’s law enforcement agencies and civil servants. According to Albuquerque’s Garfi eld Middle School principal, David Lynch, “Red Ribbon Week created a sense of community in our school. It allowed the administration, Soldiers, teachers, and the student council to organize numerous activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.” Lynch also added that the presence of the National Guard in his school “gives students a sense of belonging.” “I have seen many students improve behavior, attendance, attitude, and grades by having the opportunity to be instructed by New Mexico National Guard Soldiers in the classroom,” said Lynch “There are many negative infl uences on middle school students these days such as drugs, promiscuity, and gangs. The Soldiers working in the schools help immensely in steering the students away from those possibly negative life changing obstacles.” He also said that having the National Guard in his school has been extremely well received by students, teachers, parents, and community members. Red Ribbon Week was successful throughout New Mexico. The feedback from students, school personnel, community members, and all the contributing volunteers was overwhelmingly positive. Winter 2012 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 11
Page 1: NGB Chief visits N.M. Soldiers in K
Page 4 and 5: A message from the Adjutant General
Page 6 and 7: Veteran Stand Down assists less for
Page 8 and 9: Sena retires; trades in his uniform
Page 10 and 11: Diversity Day strengthens National
Page 14 and 15: 12 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Winter 20
Page 16 and 17: By Chief Warrant Offi cer David Bur
Page 18 and 19: Multipurpose protectors: military p
Page 20 and 21: Building legal relations with local
Page 22 and 23: Family teams strengthen bonds Story
Page 24 and 25: At 4 a.m. March 9, 1916, the border
Page 26 and 27: NEWS BRIEFS Wreaths Across America
Page 28 and 29: Revving up for the Soldiers focus o
Page 30: Do we really need SAFETY? By Chief

New Mexico Minuteman - Winter 2012

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