RICHMOND, Va. –
Virginia National Guard Soldiers joined local, state and federal agencies to help educate and reinforce the importance of a drug-free lifestyle in schools and communities during Red Ribbon Week events at schools across central Virginia Oct. 24-30, 2024.
Led by the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, the events also included a VNG Lakota helicopter and crew assigned to the Sandston-based Detachment 1, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment and military police Soldiers assigned to the Hanover-based 229th Military Police Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group. The combined team conducted the outreach events at Colonial Heights Middle School, as well as at George W. Carver and Miles Jones Elementary Schools in Richmond, Virginia.
The Counterdrug Task Force’s Drug Demand Outreach Section led the efforts, with Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Graves engaging students and teaching the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle, as well as the origins of the Red Ribbon Week campaign.
“Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon Campaign has touched the lives of millions of people around the world,” said Graves, a DDRO specialist. “In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. The DDRO section supports various law enforcement prevention initiatives, like the DARE program and youth summits for substance abuse prevention awareness and our city partners to reduce homelessness due to substance abuse.”
“Our Drug Demand Reduction Outreach program educates individuals about the risks associated with drug use, helping to prevent initiation and reduce the likelihood of substance abuse,” said Lt. Col. Christina Perronie. “Our outreach efforts raise awareness about the effects of drugs and the realities of addiction, dispelling myths and misconceptions that may exist in communities. They connect individuals with resources such as counseling, rehabilitation services, and support groups, making it easier for those in need to seek help. By providing information and support, these programs can reduce the negative consequences of drug use for individuals and communities, promoting safer practices.”
During the event at Miles Jones Elementary, 4th and 5th grade students participated in an assembly to learn about the dangers of drugs before moving outside, where students were able to check out the Lakota, a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle and experience goggles which simulate inebriation to showcase how drugs and alcohol negatively affect motor skills. Drug Enforcement Agency representative Deandra Lee also worked alongside the Counterdrug Taskforce to facilitate and bring guest college athletes to speak to the students.
“Schools were engaged and supported the entire event,” said Graves. “The Counterdrug Task Force was able to show off its capabilities to enhance substance abuse awareness.”
In addition to interacting with students, DDRO was able to share their expertise with school security personnel.
“The school events went extremely well and were very well organized,” said Perronie. “Everyone involved was empowered and excited to continue the Red Ribbon events in the future. DDRO also conducted two major training presentations for Richmond Public Schools security personnel on drug detection and norms, and conducted a presentation of capabilities and awareness for a Coalition Summit event.”
The Counterdrug outreach efforts are not limited to school visits and benefit the community as well as the Virginia National Guard.
“Our DDRO Program is important to our Task Force and to the VNG because it performs a key component of a holistic approach to combating drug-related issues, addressing both supply and demand,” said Perronie. “By reducing demand, the Task Force can more effectively disrupt drug trafficking and distribution networks. The DDRO program helps to build trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. Engaging the public encourages community members to participate in prevention efforts and share information about drug-related activities.”
In addition to the Drug Demand Reduction Outreach section, the Counterdrug Task Force supports law enforcement agencies with investigative case support and substance abuse prevention support. The team supports various local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that support the Commonwealth’s efforts to counter illegal drug activity as well as other forms of illegal trafficking. Some of the agencies the Task Force supports include Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, United States Postal Inspections, Richmond Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Highly sought-after CDTF resources include criminal analysts, ground reconnaissance team support, and a UH-72 Lakota helicopter, all of which are used to directly support criminal investigations.
Read more about the VNG’s Counterdrug Task Force at https://vngpao.info/52zbppf9.