Torii Station hosts Red Ribbon Week Run

Photo and story by Keiko McPherson, Torii Station Public Affairs

More than 100 Soldiers, Department of Defense civlian employees, family members, and members of the Kadena High School Cross Country team fire off the starting line during the 2009 Red Ribbon Week Run at Torii Station Oct. 31.

TORII STATION, Okinawa - More than 100 Soldiers, Department of Defense civilian employees, family members, and high school students came out for the 2009 Torii Station Red Ribbon Week Run Oct. 31 here.

The run, hosted by the Army Substance Abuse Program and U.S. Army Garrison Japan, helped bring about awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

"Red Ribbon Week is an annual campaign set aside to remember Kiki Camarena, a murdered DEA Officer and many others who have fought in the war against drugs," said Dr. Michele Payne, ASAP prevention coordinator. "It is also a special time to get together and celebrate those who choose not to use [drugs and alcohol]. Often times, we praise those who have overcome addictions, but I would like to thank those who have set the example by never abusing substances. These individuals do not get recognized, but their choice not to use substances is truly heroic."

Events like the run help to remind members of the community that there are positive ways to socialize and have a great time without the use of drugs and alcohol, Payne explained.

Nearly 20 members of the Kadena High School Cross Country Team helped quicken the pace at this year’s run.

"This is to show that the team supports the community," said Kadena High School CC team member Jacob Bishop, who finished first overall in the competition with a time of 18 minutes, 30 seconds. "We are a part of the community. It is important to have events such as this because we shouldn’t be doing drugs."

The Red Ribbon Week run also helped Bishop and his teammates get in some good practice for their upcoming meets, he said.

"This is a really super program," Col. James Woodard, 10th Support Group commander, told participants and spectators during his opening remarks prior to the run. "The Red Ribbon Program does great work in our businesses and our schools, and with all of our families. I thank each one of you for coming out and supporting it this morning."

Red Ribbon Week also serves to inform society about the dangers of drug use as well as the impact drugs have on families and personnel, according to Jim Lovato, Torii Station ASAP director.

"What we want to do is to at least educate the community and let the community know all about the different things we have, different services we have, what kind of help we can give them, and what kind of assistance we can give them," Lovato said.

At an award ceremony following the run, the winners of men’s, women’s, and youth’s categories were presented with prizes including an overnight stay at a resort hotel.

"I think it’s very important that we do stuff like this to show the kids that we care," said Gregory Moon, winner of the adult men’s category of the run with a time of 20 minutes, 10 seconds. "Awareness about drugs is very important to the younger generation. It is good to have them out here."