MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The history behind the national anti-drug movement, Red Ribbon Week, was inspired by a former Marine’s efforts to stop drug traffickers from growing and distributing illicit drugs both in the United States and abroad.
Enrique Camarena, a former Marine and Drug Enforcement Administration agent, dedicated his life to stopping the effects of drugs in his community. As part of Red Ribbon
Week held from Oct. 23 to 31, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego’s Substance Abuse Counseling Center manned a booth at Duncan Hall Oct. 3 to show and inform Marines and sailors how the inspiration of one man’s efforts can make a dif-
ference.
Camarena was tortured and murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico for his efforts to stop the flow of illegal drugs. Honoring his memory and his fight against drugs, Camarena’s family and friends began to wear red buttons to show their support.
“Red Ribbon Week is a great way that the nation can support the war on drugs,” said Frank Chavez, drug de-
mand reduction coordinator, SACC, Marine Corps Community Services. “Drugs have destroyed many families, homes and military careers.”