Kaiserslautern Military Community schools participate in Red Ribbon Week to promote drug-free lifestyles

Schools across the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) marked Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 23 to 31 with presentations, educational materials, and community outreach to raise awareness about drug prevention and the importance of healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

Special Agent Ryan Rapaszky, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) country attaché, spoke to Ramstein High School students on Oct. 30 about the role of DEA Europe. The DEA’s network of 16 offices oversees anti-drug efforts across 46 countries, focusing on disrupting drug trafficking and financial operations of transnational criminal organizations with direct impacts on the United States. 

Rapaszky highlighted the importance of vigilance against drug abuse and shared insights into DEA operations across Europe.

At Kaiserslautern High School on Oct. 23, Rosie Harris, Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) administrator for the 86th Airlift Wing, handed out informational items to students and spoke about the significance of Red Ribbon Week. 

"Red ribbons are a symbol of our commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of drugs," Harris noted. The DDRP works to educate military communities on drug abuse prevention while promoting healthy choices among youth and service members.

Rebecca Paddymo, DDRP program manager with the 86th Airlift Wing, further engaged with Kaiserslautern High School students by explaining the negative effects of drug use and emphasizing the importance of prevention. The DDRP, a Department of Defense initiative, equips commanders with resources to detect and deter substance misuse, supporting mission readiness by encouraging Airmen to seek support and rehabilitation when needed.

In addition to educational activities, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class James Oxley from the 86th Maintenance Squadron distributed Red Ribbon Week t-shirts at Kaiserslautern High School. 

Red Ribbon Week, which began in 1985, has grown into a nationwide movement aimed at educating communities about drug prevention and promoting safe and healthy environments for children and young adults.

Red Ribbon Week is observed annually across the U.S. and military communities worldwide as a reminder of the collective commitment to combat drug abuse, ensuring that youth grow up safe, healthy, and drug-free.