News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2002

Denver Field Division Hosts Red Ribbon Kick-Off Campaign

The Denver Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration hosted a Red Ribbon Campaign Kick-Off on October 18, 2002 at the Denver Office. As part of the Red Ribbon Campaign in Colorado, the Colorado Federation of Parents, Colorado National Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration (Denver Office) has presented the Enrique Camarena Award to an individual(s) who supports, contributes time and effort to, and dedicates himself or herself to drug awareness, education, and prevention programs in the state of Colorado. This has been a tradition in the state of Colorado for over a decade and this years award recipient, without reservations, were Special Agent in Charge Robert Castillo and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Thomas P. Ward. Their commitment and support of the Demand Reduction Program in the Rocky Mountain Division has been tremendous. Both SAC Castillo and ASAC Ward are examples of what Enrique Camarena believed in, that "One Person Can Make A Difference." The Red Ribbon Kick-off culminated with a potluck luncheon at the Denver Office for employees of the DEA and representatives from the Colorado National Guard.

This truly signaled the Red Ribbon Campaign Kick-Off as during the next two weeks, representatives from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Colorado National Guard, Governors Office, Miss Colorado, Colorado Rapids professional soccer club and local media personalities, will reach out to 65 different schools (32,000 + students) and communities across the state of Colorado with the Red Ribbon Helicopter "Fly-ins." At each school, the students will witness a Colorado National Guard helicopter with passengers from the above agencies arrive, deliver Red Ribbons, and conduct a program on the importance of being drug-free, making right choices, and respecting oneself. Following the program, the students will get an opportunity to see the helicopter up close, and then witness the helicopter depart.

For more information call Dennis Follett, Rocky Mountain Division, Demand Reduction Coordinator at 303-705-7353.